




F^1i<' \ 









LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 



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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



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LOUISIANA AND ITS RESOURCES; 

THE STATE OF THE FUTURE. 

An Official Guide for Capitalists, Manufacturers, Agriculturists, 
AND THE Emigrating Masses. 








By J. CHRONEGK MORRISON. 

State Immigration Agent for Louisiana ; abroad, 

Foreign Commissioner Louisiana State Immigration Society, &c. 



PRICE, ONE: DOIvIvAR. 




* ^, 



From Engraving kindly lent by Major H. H. Baker. 



To MAJOR E. A. BURKE. 

As a constant and tried friend to the best interests of Louisiana, and 
one of its fo7-emost and patriotic citizens in advancing the welfare of the Soiith, 
this ivork is dedicated, ivith every feeling of respect and esteem by his faithfil 
servant. 

The Author. 



P R K KAC E 



My object in writing this book is two-fold : 

1. To supply information respecting the State of Louisiana which is 
authentic, (I have inserted the report of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, 
Washington, on South Western Louisiana intact), I do not represent specu- 
lation in any shape or form, this work being written in the mterest of, and 
for the State of Louisiana in my official capicity, which gives me access to 
every source of information. A large portion of the contents having a 
practical bearing, is the result of my personal observation. 

2. To demonstrate that the South is destined in the very near future to 
supplant the North- West and all other fields of Immigration, and moreover 
to explain to the general reader why this unequalled section of the United 
States has been neglected, when millions of dollars have been spent in 
populating immense tracts of country, where the unfortunate Settler is com- 
pelled for about six months of the year to occupy his time in protecting his 
family and live-stock from the severity of the cHmate. 

I hereby contradict, and am fully prepared to refute certain false and 
malicious statements, which have been made by interested parties respecting 
the State of Louisiana. 

In the compilation of this work I have extenuated nothing, nor have I 
.set down aught in mahce. 



I make not the slightest pretention to Uterary excellence : this book is 
what it professes to be, viz: a plain statement of facts, and a guide to 
Capitalists, Manufacturers, Agriculturists, Mechanics, Laborers, &c. , putting 
before them in as few words as possible the enormous natural wealth of the 
State, and to cordially invite them from all parts of the Globe to satisfy 
themselves of the integrity of my statements, by the most rigorous persona 
examination. 

To some penny-a-liners I would suggest respectfully, that a perusal of 
these pages would at least prevent them from repeating the egregious 
descriptive blunders, which have occasionlly adorned (?) their columns, such 
reports (penned by persons without any practical knowledge of the South) 
are mischievous as being misleading. 

I have quoted from the works of Wm. H. Harris, Ex-Commissioner of 
Agriculture, and Daniel Dennett, Esq., and the official reports of the U. S. 
Department of Agriculture, Washington. 

J. C. MORRISON. 

New Orleans, La., Sept. 1886. 



BUSINESS DIRECTORY. 



SEE ADVERTISEMENTS. 



John Chaffe & Sons. Land New Orleans. 

A. A. Woods. Insurance " 

Crescent Insurance Co. Insurance " 

Smith Bros. & Co. Wholesale Grocers ... " 

Stauffer, Eshleman & Co. Hardware " 

Stern Fertilizer Co " 

John Gauche's Sons. Lamps and Chinaware " 

E. Frederikson. Drugs, etc " 

Edwards & Haubtmann. Machinery " 

B. J. Montgomery & Co. Furniture " 

E. A. Tyler's Sons. Jewelry " 

Singer Sewing Machine Co " 

Hollander & Co. Wholesale Liquors, etc " 

A. B. Griswold & Co. Jewelers " 

L. N. O. & T. R. R. Lands in Misissippi Valley Memphis. 

Geo. K. Bradford. Land Att'y Rayne, La. 

Mrs. Grote Boarding House and Hotel New Orleans. 

Acadia Sentinel. Newspaper Rayne, La, 

Daily States. Newspaper New Orleans, 

Times Democrat. Newspaper " " 

Picayune. Newspaper " " 

Sugar Bowl. Newspaper " " 

Bee. French Newspaper " " 

Evening Chronicle. Newspaper " " 

The Item. Newspaper ... " " 

South lUust'd. Newspaper " " 

Cromwell Steam Ship Co New York, 

Old Dominion Steam Ship Co " " 

John Turl & Sons. Sugar Machinery " " 

James Hotchkiss. Boiler Cleaner " " 

Cameron. Steam Pump Works " " 

Guild & Harrison. Steam Pump Works Brooklyn, 

World Travel Co New York. 

J. A. Gould & Co " " 



PAGE. 
19 
12 

14 
13 
13 
10 

15 
14 
18 

T3 
15 
90 

89 

15 
16 
ID 
91 
87 
20 
81 
92 
83 

86 

84 

85 
82 

11&17 

1 1 

II 

II 

II 

II 

88 
90&91 



10 Louisiana and its Resources ; 



S. M. SORGIA, Pres. & Supl. JNO. S. RAINEY, Vice-Pres. F. W. RAINEY, Secy & Treas. 



STERNS 

FERTILIZEB wi CHEICiL MT'G CO.. 



MANTJFACTUEEES OF 



SUPER PHOSPHATES, PURE GROUND BONE, 

Animal Ctiarcoal and Ch.em.icals, 

No. 14 UNION STREET, 

p. o. BOX 3018. NEW ORLEANS. 



GEORGE K. BRADFORD, 

RAYNE, ST. LANDRY PARISH, LA. 

(Deputy State Agent of Immigration for tlie parishes of St. Landry, Lafayette and 
Vermilion ; for the official assistance and protection of Immigrants.) 



TOWN LOTS, FARMS, RABCBES AND TIMBER LANDS FOR SALE, 

IReal Estate Bought, Developed and Sold. 



CATTLE BOUGHT & SOLD ON COMMISSION, 
SURYEYS MADE. MAPS AND ABSTRACTS FURNISHED. 



All official business concerning- lands &c. attended to. Practices in Land 

cases witli Messrs Dkummond & Bradfoed, Attorneys at law, 

of Washington, D. C 

SEND FOR MAP AND CIRCULAR. 



Ihe State of the Future. 



11 



''HOW TO KEEP BOILERS CLEAN," 

AND PBEVBNT Price, $75.00 removes 

SCALING, MUD, LIME OIL, 

FOAMINO, 
BURNING. 



MAGNESIA, 

!«■ Without the use 
of COMPOUNDS 




Hotchkiss Mechanical Boiler Cleaner 

Illustrated iu an eighty-eight page book which will be 
mailed FKEE to any address by 

JAMES HOTCHKISS, 
Beware of Infringers. 93 John St., N. Y. 

OLD DOMINION 

STEAMSHIP CO. 



Popular Line to and from the 
South and Soutliwest. 



Steamers leave New York : 
Monday, Tuesday, Wednes- 
day, Thursday and Saturday, 
for Norfolk, Va., and leave 
Norfolk same days for N. Y. 



W. H. SANFOED, G. P. A., 

Company's General Offices, 235 West St., 
cor. Beach St., N. Y. 



The CROMWELL 

STEAHSHIF CO. 

THE ONLY LINE OF 



First Class Passenger S 

BETWEEN 

NEW YORK & NEW ORL 



SUGAR MACHINERY. 

JOHN TURL & SONS, 

Established 1845, 

VACUUM PANS, PUMPS, 

ENGINES, CENTRIFUGALS, 

Defecators, Evaporators. Olarifiers 

SUGAR ^VAGONS, 

PORTABLE KAIL WAY CARS, 

Iron and Copper work in general. 

Works: Foot W. 28th St., N. Y. 



\ 



/ 



GUILD k GARRISON, 

Brooklyn, N. Y. 

• — S5 — ■ 

STEAM PUMPS 



Vacuum Pans, Double and 
Triple effects, Circulating, 
Juice Syrup, Sweet-water 
Cold and Hot water. Boil- 
er feeding, &c. 

Represented in New Orleans by 
I W. W. TATLOK, 126 St. Joseph St- 



^S 



STEAM PUMP. 



SEND FOR CATALOGUE. 



Particulars in Directory. 



The A. S. CAMERON 

FOOT EAST 28d ST., 

NEW YORK. 



12 Louisiana and its Resources ; 



EST^^BLISHliJI) 1S03. 



A. A. WOODS' 

-Mc GENERAL ^ 

INSURANCE •:• AGENCY, 

184 GEAVIER STREET, 

Opp. Cotton Exchange, NEW ORLEANS. 



ASSESTS. 



New York Underwriters Agency, - % 5,125,956.67 
Germania of N. Y. - - - - 2,700,729.32 
Queen of Liverpool and London, - 10,000,000.00 
Commercial Union of London, - - 11,250,000.00 
Koyal of Liverpool, - - - 27,463,551.01 
Scottish Union & National of Edinburg, 33,636,835.54 
Merchants Insm-ance Co. - - - 1,164,171.92 
Union Insurance Co. - . - 1,519,561.49 

Louisville Underwriters, - . - 7,551,183.69 
Equitable Life Assurance Society of N.Y. 60,030,582.00 

Dwellings and Furniture especially solicited. 



LOSSES I*^^II> I]V ]>JETV OK^LEiVTVS. 



The State of the Future. 13 



J. M. STAUFFEE. B. F. ESHLEMAN. WILLIAM E. STAUFFEE. 



STAUFFER, ESHLEMAN & CO., 

Successors to STAUFFER, MACREADY Ssf CO. 

aPORTEES & DEALERS IN HAWAEE, 

CUTLERY, GUNS, PISTOLS, 

Iron, Halls, Tin anj Leaileil Plates, ffletals, Oils, Paints and Corlap. 

-I- AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS, -^ 

103 Chambers St., NEW TOEK. ^^ *« li^n'''T'c,^^Sw''?^Tl?4^^*'"' 

and 71 Canal St,, NEW OkLEANS. 



€HAS. SMITH. THOS. SMITH. J. B. SINNOTT. 



SMITH BROS. & CO., 

WHOLESALE GROCERS, 



A^ND — 



IMPORTERS, 

102, 104 & 106 POYDRAS STREET, 

NEW ORLEANS, - LA. 

B* J. li©lfT'Ci©MlE¥ & CO,, 

DEALERS m ALL KINDS OF 

FURNITURE, 

FRENCH AND GERMAN PLATE MIRRORS, 

83, 85, & 87 Camp St., New Orleans. 

Always on hand the largest and cheapest stock of Furniture and 
Mirrors to be found in the South, ranging from the finest to the cheapest. 
Stock for country and Plantation use very large. No charge for packing 
and drayage. SEND FOR PRICES. 



14 



Louisiana and its Resources; 




WMmW^ 



INSURANCK ^ CO. 

OF NEW ORLEANS. 

Incorporated as a Mutual Company in 1849. Reorganized as a Stock 

Company in 1880 



C-A_SH CAPITAL, 



^400,000 



Has paifl over Ten anfl One-Half Millions for Losses since 1849. 

Annual and Term Policies on Desirable Fire Business. 

^TT*c T^ T.TO-C- a i. W. E. LYMAN, President, 

CHAS. E. EIOE, Secretary, ' -d -^ 4. 

CHAS. H. DOLSEN, Vice-President. 



f . FMlDlMICKiOM, 

439 CANAL ST., 



TOURO BUILDINGS, 



NE\V ORLEANS. 



1^ 



O'O -J 



\^^ 



AND MANUFACTUKEE OF A LARGE ASSOETMENT OF 

Especially suitable for the use of families in the country. 



Also on hand a full stock of DRUGS, MEDICINES, PATENT 
MEDICINES, SPONGES, SOAPS, TOILET ARTICLES, Etc., etc. 



ORDERS BY MAIL WILL BE PROiVlPTLY ATTENDED TO. 



The State of the Future. 



15 



Camp St. & Lafayette Sq., Moresque Building, New Orleans. 



65 CANDLE PO^VEK. 

Patented 1884 and 1S85 in the United Statts, and in nearly all the Countries of the Old World and Islands 

of the Sea. 

There is none liko unto it ! Extinguislied without blowing down or removing the Chimney. 

The ROCHESTER LAMP is perfectly non-explosive, 
and produces a light never before equalled with Kerosene. 
Equal in brilliancy to 65 sperm candle power. It is beautiful 
in structure, elegant in finish, of large capacity, and is a novelty 
in its mode of work. Its combustion is perfect, flame clear and 
strong, and its light the nearest approach to electricity yet 
attained by any Kerosene Lamp. 

Some of its Advantages. — It is mechanical perfect, with 
a wick movement new to the world. It does not get danger- 
ously hot, like all other lamps with button burners. It does not 
require any gas vent. 

The Rochester Lamp is made in the following varieties : 
Table, Hall, Library, Factory, and Gas Font Lamps, of strong 
brass, and nickel plated, and warranted not to leak. It can be 
put in pull-down lamps, on gas jets, etc., and can be taken from 
harp or bracket, and used as a table lamp. 

The best lamp made for lighting Hotels, Offices, Stores^ 
Factories, Saloons, Halls, Barber Shops, Skating Rinks and 
Churches. Caution. — Sever leave the wick above the tube 
tohen not lighted. 

ICg^ The name " ROCHESTER " is copyrighted for all ap- 
plications to the Rochester Lamp, and its appurtenances. 
Any use!" of this name by manufacturers other than those de- 
signated by the owners of the Rochester Patents is an infringe- 
ment of rights involved. The wicks and chimneys advocated are 
such as the Rochester Lamp needs, and any attempt to use 
wicks and chimneys not advocated has usually resulted in de- 
triment to a lamp in whose mechanical construction all possible 
care is taken. Rochester chimneys are in wrapper marked 
"Rochester." Rochester wicks are SO labled. 







E. A. TYLfER'S ^OM 

DIAMONDS, 

American Watches, Fine Je 
First Class Goods, 
Small Expenses, Low Prices. 

3 GAMP ST. 3 

New Orleans, 



119 CANAL ST., NEV/ ORLEANS, LA. 



Solid Silver Stem Winders. 
"Sterling" 7 jewels $12.50 

" Wm. EUery " 11 " 16.00 
" P. S. Bartlett " 15 " 21.50 
10 Karat Solid Gold StemWinders 
"Sterling" 7 jewels $30.00 

" Wm. EUery " 11 " 33.00 
"P. S. Bartlett " 15 " 37.00 



i4 Karat Solid Gold Stem Winders 
" Sterling " 7 jewels $48.00 

" Wm. EUery " 11 " 52.00 
" P. S. Bartlett " 15 " 56.00 
"Appleton, Tracy & Co." ad- 
justed and pat. regulator.. 67. 00 



18 Karat Solid Gold StemWinder 
"Sterling" 7 jewels $57. oo- 

"Wm. EUery" 11 " 60.00 
" P. S. Bartlett " 15 " 65.00 
"Appleton, Tracy & Co." ad- 
justed and pat. regulator. .75.00 



16 Loidsiaiia and its Resources; 

HOMES. . HOMES. HOMES 



K. T. WILSON, Pres. New York. JAMES EDWARDS, Vice President and Gen- 
eral Manager. Memphis, Tenn. 



Extending from MEMPHIS on the North to NEW ORLEANS on the 

South. Passing through the center of the great Zazoo, 

MISSISSIPPI DELTA, and the SUGAR 

LANDS OF LOUISIANA, 

has for sale 750,000 acres of land in the DELTA at low prices and 
long time for payment. The Zazoo Mississippi Delta has long been 
known as one of the richest agricultural portions of the United States, 
the lands are especially adapted to the raising of small grain, cotton, 
fruits and vegetables. The markets of Memphis, Vicksburg, Baton 
Rague and New Orleans offer special inducements for the establishment 
of daii'y and truck farms. The mildness of the weather gives 12 months 
of farm work, and of most vegetables two crops can be raised each year. 
The grasses and cane give green herbage for stock during the year. 



No such opportunity has ever been offered for the location of families. 



The industrious settler can make an independence in a few years. 
The improved lands adjacent to these lands offered for sale, rents for $8 
per acre. We are offering our lands, unimproved, at from |4 to $10 per 
acre, according to location : they are all fertile and rich, but the land 
nearest the railway line is the most valuable. One-fourth cash and the 
balance in four annual payments with a low rate of interest. 

This opportunity should not be neglected, and all those who want 
Homes in this GARDEN SPOT should be prompt in securing them. 



For maps and printed imformation address or apply to 

J.\V. McGINNIS, 

Land Commissioner, 

MEMPHIS, TENN. 



77^1? State of the Future. . 17 



^ THE CROMWELL i^ 

Steamship Line. 



Probably the easiest and most economical wa}' of getting from New 
York to Louisiana is by the very fine and first-class steamships of the 

CROMWELL LINE, 

old established and reliable, running between the two cities of New 
York and New Orleans. These steamers connect with foreign steam- 
ships, so that through tickets by this route can be obtained abroad, or 
at the offices in New York, Boston, Philadelphia or Baltimore, at the 
lowest rates. 

These are tlie oilf Steamsiiips miii Setweei New York aiii Louisiana 

which carry passengers, so that care should always be taken to see that 
the name of the line is specified on the tickets. These fine vessels 
connect at New Orleans with the various railroad and steamboat lines 
to principal points in 

LOUISIANA AND TEXAS. 

The " Louisiana," named in honor of the state, is the fastest and most 
famous American steamship ever built. These steamers carry first 
cabin and steerage passengers so that persons can travel according to 
the style they wish to pay for. Beside the " Louisiana '' the steam- 
ships "Hudson," "Knickerbocker" and "New Orleans" are all gi-eat 
favorites with travellers and shippers. 

This line leaves New York from pier No. 9, North Kiver. 

Apply to 

SAM'L H. SEAMAN, Gen'l Agent, 

PIER 9, NOETH EIVER, N. Y. 

AGENTS: 

ALEEED MOULTON & CO., 

41 Oarondelet St., New Orleans. 

J. N. MAGNA, 

211 Washington St., Boston. 

F. B. PRICE, 

6 North 4th St., Philadelphia. 
E. W. NOURATH, 

50 West Pratt St., Baltimore, Md. 



JAMES D. EDWARDS 



LEON F. HAUBTMAN. 




TRIPLE EFFECT. 

Edwards & Haubtman's Patent, for boiling Cane Juice 
into Syrup, with Low Steam Heating Surface of Copper. 

Capacity, from 20,000 to 100,000 poimds per day. 
Connected to on^^ Duplex Knowle's Vacuum Pump, com- 
plete. Price, 



Proprietors of the Crescent City Cornice Works. 

Also, Copper, Brass and Sheet Iron Work of every de- 
scription. Vacuum Pan's, Hepworlh's Centrifugals, 
Misers, Steam and Doctor Engines, Steam Pumps, 
Steam Trains, Cylinder and Flue Boilers, &c. 



The State of the Future. 19 



GREAT 

BARGAINS. 



FIFTY IMPROVED FARMS FOR SALE 

with from 40 to 2000 acres each, of most productive land, near raikoad 
and river navigation.. 

With dwellings, stables, outhouses, fences, etc. Adjacent to Market 
in the states of Louisiana, Arkansas and Mississippi. 

Good schools and churches of all denominations. These lands 
produce 

SUGAR CANE, COTTON, CORN, OATS, BARLEY, WHEAT, 

vegetables of all kinds, Fruits, such as Apples, Pears, Figs, Plums, 
Peaches, Grapes, etc., etc. 

Price from $3.00 to $8.00 per acre, owing to quality of the soil, 
locality and improvements. Terms one quarter cash, balance in two or 
three annual payments. For homeseekers with growing families there 
is no equal opportunity offered in the United States. Climate the most 
salubrious on the American Continent. 

Reason for selling, advanced age. Titles perfect and guaranteed. 
Also large tracts of unimproved land, suitable for cattle raising, etc. 

New Orleans, Sept. 25, 1886. 

Apply to 

JOHN CHAFFE & SONS, 

54 UNION STREET, 
NEW ORLEANS, LA., U. S. A. 



20 



Louisiana ajid its Resources; 



THE DAILY iTATl 



'/^« 



The leading Evening Journal of the South and South West. An 
eio"ht page, 48 column paper, publishing two or more editions every 
evening except Sunday. Contains all the latest Telegraph, Local, 
Marine and Commercial News. 

Is the official Journal of the City of New Orleans. 

Is the official Journal for the publication of State Taxes. 

Is the official Journal for the publication of City Taxes. 

Democratic in politics. It bears the impress of ability in it& 
management and sways an influence unequalled by any other Journal 
published in Lousiana. 



THE iUN D. 



In this issue is conveyed to its readers a collection of original and 
selected matter, that makes it the best of the Sunday papers. 

The " Sunday States " is furnished separately from the Daily, when 
desired. 

THE WEEKLY iTATEi, 



A mammoth paper. In it is published the news of the week, so con- 
densed, as to enable the reader to see the important events of the time. 

In proportion to the amount of subscription paid, is awarded, by lot^ 
to subscribers 200 presents each year. 



Terms of Subscription, Daily, Evening and Sunday Morning : 
1 year, - $6.50. 6 months, - $8.25. 3 months, - $1.65. 



Sunday Slates, 1 year, $1.50. Weekly States, 1 year, $1.25. 



LOUISIANA AND ITS RESOURCES; 

The State of the Future. 



THE State of Louisiana was sold by the first Napoleon to the United 
States of America for the sum of 50,000,000 francs, a little less than 
$10,000,000. 

It is situated in the Southwestern part of the United States, between 
the parallels of 28° 50' and 33° N. latitude, and between the meridians 
88° 40' and 94° 10' W. from Greenwich. 

It is bounded on the North by the States of Arkansas and Mississippi, 
on parallels 33° 31'; East by the State of Mississippi, South by the 'Gulf of 
Mexico, and West by the State of Texas, the Mississippi and Pearl Rivers 
forming a boundary line on the East and the Sabine River on the West. 

The Mississippi winds through the State for a distance of 800 miles, 
and is navigable for 2,000 miles to St. Anthony Falls. It empties into the 
Gulf of Mexico 105 miles from New Orleans, the principal commercial city 
of the South and the largest cotton market in the world, shipping about 
one-third of the cotton crop of the United States. 

It contains about 26,000,000 acres of land and 1,250,000 acres of 
inland water surface, comprising many navigable streams, rendering the 
internal water communication a means of the cheapest transportation. 

The land is nearly equally divided between hilly and level. There are 
5,250,000 acres of good uplands, 5,500,000 acres of pine hills, 1,500,000 
acres of bluff lands, prairie 2,500,000 acres, arable alluvial 3,500,000 acres, 
pine flats 1,500,000 acres, wooded alluvial 750,000 acres, coast marsh 
3,500,000 acres; the alluvial lands border on the Mississippi and other 
streams and bayous. 

A false idea concerning the flat nature of the country has gone abroad, 
starting probably from the impressions of travellers on Mississippi steam- 
boats ; we quote the official report of WiUiam H. Harris, ex-Commissioner 
of Agriculture : 



22 Louisiana and its Resources ; 

" The descriptive scenery of Louisiana, as seen in the aver- 
age geography or illustrated periodical, is a stereotyped burlesque. 
Her cypress swamps are not the deadly morasses they are repre- 
sented to be, while the valuable timber land in which they abound 
is a growing source of wealth to the State and the whole countr}'-. 
With half of the money spent in draining the low lands of the 
Older Eastern States, a large portion of her marsh lands would 
afford healthy and pleasant homes, while their productiveness 
would be largely increased. In truth, no part of the United States 
is replete with more varied and beautiful scenery than Louisiana.^ 

The population of the State is about 1,000,000 inhabitants, the capital 
being Baton Rouge, and the present able and respected Governor, Samuel 
D. McEnery. 

This climate, iji presenting no extremes, is admirably suited to outdoor 
labor twelve months in the year. Sunstroke is almost unknown, ice seldom 
seen, and the thermometer, notwithstanding the geographical situations, 
never exceeds 92°, the deliciously cool nights making a pleasing change for 
Northern and European settlers. For instance, at St. Tammany, only 22 
miles from New Orleans, the mercury falters at 85° in the summer, stopping 
at 40° in the winter. All climatic conditions combine to make the seasons 
deHghtful and the country unequalled as a sanitarium ; in fact, I can per- 
sonally testify to the marvellous cures I have seen in the cases of consump- 
tives and others, caused alone by the salubrity of the climate. With its 
wealth of sulphur springs and other mineral waters, I do not hesitate to say 
that at no distant time this place will be par excellence the world's head- 
quarters for health seekers. It is a fact that in 1878, when yellow fever was 
at its height in New Orleans, this adjacent section of country was entirely 
free from the dreaded scourge. 

I wish to impress very deeply upon all that since the Government has 
established a strict quarantine upon vessels coming from the West Indies 
and Mexico between the months of May and October inclusive, and enforced 
stringent sanitary YCit.^.%^xxQ.^, yellow fever in New Orleans has been unknown. 
I would that this fact were universally understood, and rejoice that some of 
our blessed good-natured friends (as Dr. Johnson calls them) cannot harp 
any more upon that string. 

Malaria in a mild form exists in lands lying in the vicinity of streams, 
etc., but can be prevented by ordinary and simple precautions. I have seen 
far more virulent cases in the^ State of New Jersey. 

The longevity of the inhabitants is far above the average and truly 
wonderful. I have witnessed extraordinary cases of extreme age. 

It must be understood that in proportion to the distance from the cool- 
ing breezes of the Gulf the ratio of heat increases. 



/ 

The State of the Future. 23 

CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. 

There are churches of different denominations in every parish (equi- 
valent to county) in the State ; also a good system of public schools, main- 
tained by a special tax levied for that purpose, the negroes have equal 
educational advantages with the whites, but in separate schools. 

In 1653 schools, 1,071 white and 582 colored, there are 99,941 pupils ; 
for a new settlement (showing fifteen children fit for school with no school 
house accessible) the State will erect a free school house. 

There are 58 parishes in the State, all of which have railway or water 
communications with commercial centres : 

Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calca- 
sieu, Caldwell, Cameron, East Carrol, West Carrol, Catahoula, Claiborne, 
Concordia, De Soto, East Baton Rouge, West Baton Rouge, East Feli- 
ciana, West Feliciana, Franklin, Grant, Iberia Iberville, Jackson, Jeffer- 
son, Lafayette, Lafourche, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, 
Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, 
Red River, Richland, Sabine, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. 
James, St. John Baptist, St. Landry. St. Martin, St. Mary's, St. Tammany, 
Tangipahoa, Tensas, Terre Bonne, Union, Vermillion, Vernon, Washing- 
ton, Webster, Winn. 

Of these parishes I would perhaps select as being more adapted to 
settlers from the Northern States and Europe : 

St. Landry, Lafayette, Vermillion, St. Martin, Iberia, St. Mary's, in 
the Southwest ; in the Northwest : Claiborne, Bossier, Webster, Bienville, 
De Soto ; in the East : Tangipahoa, St. Tammany and East Feliciana. 

LAND LAWS, ETC. 

Every citizen over twenty-one years of age and j^erson who has declared 
his intention to become such, is entitled, under the United States Home- 
stead Act, to 160 acres of land, by payment of a fee of eighteen dollars and 
seventy-five cents, of which fourteen dollars must be paid in cash, and the 
balance in five years ; at the expiration of which time the settler becomes 
the actual owner of the land. The ordinary Surveyor's fees will be about 
sixteen dollars. 

State low lands of excellent quality can be homesteaded and pre- 
empted, the latter at from 12^ to 50 cents per acre. 

TIMBER CULTURE ACT.— Under its provisions citizens and 
others, as mentioned above, may enter 160 acres of land by payment of a 
fee of eighteen dollars and seventy-five cents,, fourteen dollars in cash and 
the balance at the end of eight years. The Government naturally requires 
annual additions to be made to the planting of trees. Settlers having some 
knowledge of forestry will find this method of acquiring land to be of great 



24 Louisiana and its Resources ; 

advantage. Actual ownership, upon the expiration of eight years, and com- 
pliance with the conditions imposed. 

Lands can be pre-empted for the purposes of actual settlement and 
cultivation to the extent of i6o acres on payment of one dollar and a 
quarter to two and a half dollars per acre. This land may be selected in 
the Prairie and other regions of the State. 

Most productive farms and plantations formerly cultivated can be 
bought at low prices, fenced and generally with houses erected on them. 
In many cases merchants own these lands, having bought them for the pur- 
pose of saving themselves from losses by former owners, a state of things 
brought about by emancipation, and the consequently changed condition of 
affairs, and payment of taxes long standing. T think that many of these fine 
estates could Jiotu, with the great dearth of labor (the colored portion of the 
community considering loafing to be one of the benefits arising from their 
hberation), be bought for from five to twenty-five dollars per acre, and with 
easy terms of payment. I wish to call special attention to these great 
chances, as the land will fast rise in value, and before long it will be impos- 
sible to buy an acre in open market. 

To intelligent agriculturists with some means, this State offers advan- 
tages unequalled by any other, or, indeed, any country. The incomer, in 
many cases, can rent lands by payment of one-half of the crop raised, the 
owner furnishing all implements, stock, seeds, etc., even household furni 
ture, when necessary, giving farmers without pecuniary resources the oppor- 
tunity of starting in. Provisions can even be drawn in advance for the 
whole family, payable after harvest. In cases where the tenant furnishes 
everything himself, for the use of the land, and buildings, he will only have 
to pay one-quarter of the crop raised, and will frequently have the option of 
purchase upon instalments. The owner of the land reserves the right of 
naming the rotation of props. 

PRODUCTS, INDUSTRIES, ETC. 

COTTON. — Although the land is capable of being cultivated to better 
advantage, yet cotton still leads the exports of this State, and its superiority 
over all rivals is undoubted. The unperishable character of this product 
renders it in many cases a desirable one to raisew Experience has proved 
that even in this field, white labor is superior (notwithstanding the ancient 
belief to the contrary) to the work of the colored man. 

SUGAR. — There is at present about 60, 000 acres of cane planted in 
the State, of which the yield averages about 1,500 lbs. per acre, and about 
100 gallons of molasses. 

In ordinary seasons about 60 gallons molasses may be counted to one 
hogshead of sugar. 



The State of the Future. 25 

A large number of sugar mills exist propelled by steam and water 
power. 

Raising sugar is one of the most profitable industries in the State, 
although it requires comparatively more capital than any other production, 
machinery, plant, utensils, etc., being costly, although of late the farmer 
with small capital is enabled to raise sugar, as the " central mill" system is 
"becoming very general, and proving profitable to all parties concerned. The 
mill is erected in a central locality, the small farmers selling cane to the 
owner at from two and a half dollars to five dollars per ton. One acre will 
yield from fifteen to twenty tons of cane. Sugar is chiefly raised on alluvial 
lands. New comers being more fiable to malaria and fevers in the lowlands, 
principally through ignorance and neglect of proper precautions, had better 
settle for a time on the higher lands in order to become acclimated, although 
I have known many cases Avhere late arrivals have enjoyed the best possible 
health in the lowlands. 

In the grinding season, from October to the middle of January, white 
laborers are paid from one dollar to one dollar and a half per day, with 
board and lodging. This labor is very popular among our Northern men, 
who flock down in great numbers, the country, climate and pay alike making 
this occupation attractive. 

CORN is planted in February and March, and harvested in July and 
August, when a second crop of cow peas and other cereals can be planted. 

OATS can be grown to great advantage, planting and harvesting about 
the same season as corn. 

WHEAT is grown on a small scale in the north-western portion of the 
State. This is comparatively an unprofitable crop for the farmer. Flour can 
be imported from neighboring States at lower rates than the cost of pro- 
duction. 

BARLEY. — The same remarks will apply to raising this grain. 

RYE. — But little attention is paid to this crop, almost any other pro- 
duce will pay the cultivator better. 

EGYPTIAN CORN has been raised experimentally with notable 



RICE is very extensively cultivated, and will yield from 30 to 75 bushels 
per acre, worth from 45 to 115 dollars. In the lowlands this is sown broad- 
cast and irrigated ; in the highlands it is drilled in rows two or three feet 
apart, and cultivated with a plough or cultivator. It may be cut with 
machinery and threshed like wheat. This harvest takes place in August. 

TOBACCO. — Perique tobacco is principally grown in the parish of 
St. James, this special kind enjoying the reputation of possessing the best 



26 Louisiana and its Resources ; 

flavor of any in the world. It is largely used in the manufacture of snufF. 
In almost every portion of the State this far-famed weed can be produced^ 
of a far better quality than the stuff raised in Connecticut. Perique sells 
readily for one dollar per pound, three cuttings can be made in one year, 
giving an enormous yield. It would be advisable for incoming settlers tO' 
experiment. 

While Louisiana grows all the crops of the northern and western States 
and Europe, her staples, Cotton, Sugar, Rice and Tobacco will always 
command gold in any market of the ^vorld. 

To those familiar with raising indigo, I strongly recommend a thorough 
trial, and believe that the insufficient attention bestowed upon this valuable 
product is only caused by the great lack of intelligent labor. 

JUTE. — The cultivation of jute has been successfully commenced, the 
yield being about 4,000 lbs. of fibre per acre, and pronounced by experts to 
be superior in quaUty to that imported. There are vacant lands enough in 
the State to supply the world. Crops are generally laid by in June. 

RAMIE. — This magnificent fibre, doubtless known to a great many of 
our readers, will thrive perfectly in this latitude, the climate of Louisiana 
being better adapted to its successful cultivation than any other portion of 
the globe, not excepting the East Indies, where its culture has met with such 
satisfactory results. I feel.it my duty to emphasize the fact that this fibre is 
destined to supersede all other products in this State, the pecuniary results 
being so large as to more than justify great efforts being put forth in its 
cultivation. 

The ramie more nearly approaches silk than any other substance yet 
known. 

Seed in small quantites can be obtained from the Department of Agri- 
culture, Washington. 

Planting is done from March to the end of October, two crops being 
easily gathered in the year. 

Mr. Fremery gives as an average yield to one acre 2,950 pounds of 
marketable fibrous ribbons — $88.50, or in two crops, a yearly gross benefit 
of $177 per acre. 

The industry of this textile in Europe has made gigantic progress, and 
as the authority above quoted very properly remarks, " Indiffereiice to this 
industry is a blot upon American enterprise." 

In closing this subject I cannot forbear quoting the words of Mr. S. 
Waterhouse, Professor of Washington University, St. Louis, Mo. : 

" No vigor of language can too earnestly express 
my conviction that a great, great industry, productive 
of vast opulence, now awaits the hands of Southern 
enterprise." 



The State of the Future. 27 

GRASSES of all descriptions are plentifully grown. Jefferson, Ber- 
muda, Winter, Meadow Oat, Maculata, Yellow Clover, Red Top Grass, 
Lucerne and various clovers. All these grow in happy ignorance of blizzards, 
drought, grasshoppers, etc. 

The grazing value of these grasses is very large, sufficient advantage is 
not taken of the opportunity of making hay. Why, in the name of common 
sense, should hay be imported ? surely New Orleans offers a desirable 
enough market. 

VEGETABLES. — Every known variety even of the most delicate 
character can be bountifully produced all the year round, the early descrip- 
tion bringing high prices in northern markets. 

FRUITS. — It is almost superfluous to enumerate the various kinds 
that are easily grown in this favored clime. Suffice it to say that in the 
diff"erent districts oranges of, delicious flavor, plums, pears, figs, quinces, 
cherries, grapes, strawberries, nuts and other minor fruits are raised with 
ease. Wild grapes of great size and other fruits are to be commonly found 
in the woods. Among countries producing fruits this is destined to take a 
leading position. 

STOCK RAISING. 

HORNED CATTLE can be successfully raised all over the State, but 
comparatively little attention so far has been paid to this. The prairie 
regions are specially adapted, we would refer particularly to the parishes 
of St. Tammany, St. Landry, Calcasieu and La Fayette ; water is plentiful, 
the climate even, and with such a wealth of natural grass this description of 
farming cannot fail to be vastly more productive than in the inclement 
regions of the Northwest. It goes without saying that the most delicately 
constituted animals very rarely require shelter in this region. 

Capitalists would find cattle raising in this State on a large scale to be 
an inexhaustible gold mine, prairie lands exactly suitable can be obtained 
for very low figures either for cash or payment of one-fourth and balance at 
8 per cent, interest, 

HORSE AND MULE BREEDING.— I beheve that if first-rate 
breeds were brought here, their progeny would rival, nay surpass, the famous 
blue grass herds of Kentucky. 

SHEEP AND GOATS.— The parishes of St. Tammany, St. Landry 
and Calcasieu are in my opinion most suited to the increase of these valuable 
animals. Sheep farmers in St. Tammany parish cannot fail to be successful. 

HOGS. — This ever-increasing quadruped may be raised to the greatest 
possible profit in woodlands, where oak and hickory abound ; the hog will 
subsist almost the entire year on acorns and hickory nuts, a little corn in 



■28 Louisiana ajid its Resoii^'ces; 

the summer being given, as much for the purpose of attaching him to his run 
as for any real necessity in the shape of nourishing food. 

Pork has to be imported from Chicago and St.- Louis in large quantities. 
"Why should this be so ? Every requisite . for successful pork packing is on 
the ground, staves for barrels, and salt in unHmited quantities. 

The natural increase is simply enormous, let any farmer or practical 
man start with, say twenty animals, and given a sufficiently large run, I venture 
to say that even he will be astonished at the end of two years ; figure it out. 

Bear in tnind that this branch of stock raising can be started with small 
capital, and with common attention cannot fail to be a magnificent success, 
suitable lands being easily attainable. 

POULTRY is no trouble to raise on very small expenditure, soil, 
cHmate, and other conditions being favorable. 

Our readers will appreciate the importance of raising poultry when they 
learn that the United States official report gives, for the year 1885, as the 
number of eggs imported to the United States 16,098,450 dozen, represent- 
ing the value of $2,476,672, making in all 193,181,400 eggs. Large as 
these figures appear, it represents a small consumption per head with a 
population of 56,000,000. The majority of these are imported from Canada, 
others being brought from Denmark, Germany, Belgium, China; also 
France sent us last year no less than two dozen eggs. 

GAME, FISH, Etc. — The much abused phrase " sportman's para- 
dise " can be truthfully applied to a large portion of this State. Small game 
of all kinds are amazingly plentiful, the writer can testify from experience to 
the actual presence of any quantity of wild fowl, etc. 

Fish of excellent quality and various kinds swarm in the brooks and 
rivers. 

To all lovers of gun and rod, I say without hesitation, " Come ; " they 
will be amply compensated, and thank me into the bargain for having 
stated these facts. 

SILK RAISING should prove to be a very profitable speculation, as 
the mulberry tree flourishes luxuriantly; in former years this proved a 
success, but it has been allowed to fall into disuse. 

BEE FARMING has been carried out on a small scale, and good 
profits reahzed ; proximity to sugar lands gives the raiser an excellent 
chance of producing first-rate honey and wax. 

TAR, TURPENTINE, Etc.— The pine flats, says Mr. Harris, cover 
nearly one-half of the parishes of St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Livingstone 
and Calcasieu parishes, the forest growth is magnificent, long-leafed pine 
and the yellow pitch pine of commerce. These flats afford illimitable fields 
to the lumbermen and charcoal burners to do a flourishing trade with New 
Orleans, and receive 25 to 50 cents per barrel therefor. 



The State of the Future. 29 

The manufacture of tar, pitch and turpentine is only carried on to a 
hmited extent ; all of these industries offer large and speedy returns to 
the investment of capital. 

OAK BARK AND TANNERIES.— Mr. Dennett very justly asks: 
In a country abounding as St. Landry does in oak bark, sumac, and 
hides, what is there in the way of successful tanning ? Pits may be kept 
open the entire winter. 

CANNING FRUITS AND VEGETABLES.— The enormous quan- 
tity of wild fruit now entirely wasted can be utilized to great advantage by 
canning. The delicious flavor distinguishing the fruits of this latitude will 
quickly create markets far and near. I hope that capitalists will on perusal 
follow Captain Cuttle's laudable example, and make a note of this. Both 
quality and quantity are at their command. 

The same remarks apply to all kinds of vegetables, which may be 
grown in incredible, quantities. 

CANNING OYSTERS AND SHRIMPS is fast increasing, and at 
length attracting no little notice. Extensive oyster beds along the Southern 
coast and bayous invite enterprise. The size and flavor of these bivalves, 
are unsurpassed. 

PAPER MAKING. 

The clear water of many streams in St. Tammany parish, only 2 2 miles 
from New Orleans, are pronounced by experts to be unequalled for the 
requirements of this industry, besides, jute, which springs up all over the 
State as a weed. Fibre plants, scores of difierent kinds, abound everywhere,, 
and rice straw is largely wasted in its profusion. 

SPANISH MOSS. 

The extensive woods yield an annual growth of moss called " Spanish,"' 
the gathering of which affords profitable employment to men, women and 
children. 

Although thousands of bales are annually shipped North and West for 
use in mattress and furniture manufactories, the demand is larger than the 
supply. This industry promises a gratifying return to the investor, and 
employment to tens of thousands from our crowded cities North. 

COTTON SEED OIL AND OIL CAKE. 

' The production of this oil has been steadily increasing, and large 
exportations of this and the oil cake are anually made from New Orleans to 
England, France, and other European countries. 



30 Louisiana and its Resources; 

In Europe the cotton seed cake is regarded with great favor on account 
of its highly nutritive value ; cotton seed meal has long been regarded as a 
valuable fertilizer. 

FORESTS, TIMBER, ETC. 

Louisiana has in her forests value which her citizens but poorly 
appreciate. 

Northern and Western States have nearly exhausted their lumber 
resources, the oaks and hemlocks, which were their chief reliance for tanning 
materials. Louisiana has immense forests of the finest timber on this con- 
tinent, including the following varieties of oaks : Live oak, white oak, red 
oak, black oak, brown oak, scarlet oak, willow, overcup, Spanish oak, 
dentata, chiucapin, swamp, bear, turkey, myrtle, black jack, and post oak. 

Cypress, red and white. 

Pine, long leaf, short leaf and loblolly. 

Ash, red, white, water and green. 

Elm, water, red and shppery. 

Gum, black, sweet and tupelo. 

Hickory, shell back, black, pig nut and water. 

Maple, sugar, silver and swamp. 

Locust, honey, black and acacia. 

Mulberry, white and red. 

Sassafras, white and red. 

Magnolia, grandiflora and glauca. 

Pecan, six varieties. 

China, three varieties. 

Willow, red, white, black and weeping. 

Also black walnut, cotton wood, yellow poplar, beech, osage, orange 
or bois d'arc, sycamore, hackberry, Catalpa and bass wood. 

Smaller trees and shrubs as follows : 

Wild peach, balm of Gilead, prickly ash (two varieties), sumac ash 
(two varieties), wild cherry, wild plum, dog wood (two kinds), holly, box 
elder, box wood, red, may, apple, black and bird haw, red bay, sweet bay, 
crab apple (two varieties), persimon (two varieties), iron wood, yellow 
wood, wax myrtle, horn beam, buck-eye, yaupon, sorrel tree, wild sloe, 
hasberry, holly, red bud, water birch, buckthorn, papaw, alder (two kinds). 

With the limited space at my disposal it would be impossible to specify 
the many uses and incredible values attachable to this glorious list of woods. 

MINERALS. 

No thorough geological survey has ever been made of this State which 
only shows formations of the cretaceous, tertiary and post tertiary. 



The State of the Future. 31 

SULPHUR, Etc. — A wonderful deposit occurs in Calcasieu; this is of 
great thickness and remarkable purity. Gypsum is also found here of superior 
quahty \ this deposit is capable of easily supplying the entire country. 

SALT.— Avery's Island, near New Iberia, covers a quarry of rock salt, 
pure white, containing more than 99 per cent, of chloride of sodium, this 
enormous proportion giving practically pure salt ; it is being successfully 
mined at present; the extent of the deposit is not known, but supposed to 
be inexhaustible. In Bienville and Bossier parishes there are immense 
quantities of saline waters and saliferous deposits, the latter being found in 
the beds of ancient lakes. 

PETROLEUM has been found in Calcasieu parish, about 60 miles 
from the coast, and contains large masses of asphaltum ; carburetted hydro- 
gen gas passes out of the springs continually, and, when conducted in tubes, 
can be used for lighting and heating purposes. 

It is supposed that petroleum underlies the whole of this section of 
country, and that under the direction of experienced engineers large quan- 
tities of this invaluable fluid will be obtained. 

At Lake Charles, indeed, it has lately been discovered in fair quan- 
tities, and this will no doubt lead to larger finds in the same portion of the 
country. 

COAL, Etc. — Deposits of different degrees of purity and quality are 
found in the greater portion of the upland country, from the Sabine to the 
Ouachita rivers. 

This makes an excellent fuel, as tested in Shreveport (the city ranking 
next in importance to New Orleans). 

Peat is found in quantity in many places near the coast, and will in 
time furnish an almost inexhaustible supply for heating purposes. 

IRON. — Ores of excellent quality is carried in immense quantities over 
a large portion of the surface of Louisiana. South of Red River this is 
found from Ouachita to Badian River, and from the Arkansas line it extends 
nearly to Red River ; south of this it appears in De Soto, Natchitoches, 
Rapides and Sabine. Bienville is singularly rich in this respect. 

Of late extensive discoveries have been made in Webster parish. 

When will a " Birmingham " be started in Louisiana ? Capitalists, 
•come and investigate. 

BLACK AND WHITE MARBLE has been found of first-rate 
quality in St Landry and Calcasieu parishes. 

POTTERY CLAY of a superior kind is plentiful in St. Tammany 
parish, where its proximity to New Orleans should tempt enterprising 
people in that hne. 

To sum up the advantages of Louisiana as a farming country : 
The land is as rich as any in the world. 



32 Louisiana and its Resources; 

The agricultural products are more numerous than is possible in a 
higher latitude. 

The health average is excellent. 

Water generally plentiful and good. 

Timber magnificent. 

Climate unsurpassed. 

Grass abundant for stock all the year round. 

Railroad and water transportation from all parts of the State to New- 
Orleans within easy reach. 

The greatest cotton and sugar market in America, the railroads com- 
peting with cheap river transportation. 

The people are refined, sociable and hospitable, and welcome settlers 
from all civilized countries. 

Failure of crops is unknown with ordinarily careful farming. 

HEALTH. — This State will compare favorably with any section of 
the Union. 

THE ADVANTAGES OF FARMING IN LOUISIANA, 
AS COMPARED WITH THE WESTERN PRAIRIE 
REGION. 

The farmer can here work every day in the year ; in the West, only 
about six months. 

In Louisiana it is not so hot in summer, or cold in winter, as in the 
West. 

The season is so long that meadows may be cut four times a year. 
The chmate is so mild that it does not require one-half the expenditure for 
clothing and housing as in the West. 

In Louisiana timber for building houses is abundant. 

Stock requires no shelter, and will thrive on the wild range of natural 
and luxuriant grasses, giving a much greater and more regular increase than 
in colder climates. 

Vegetables are in season every month in the year. 

The Prairie is not subject to Northers in the winter, drought in sum- 
mer, nor the devastations of grasshoppers, potato bugs, etc. 

Yield of crops per acre are not equalled in the much-advertised North- 
west. 

Mr. Commissioner Harris says : 

" Can a white man work under a summer sun in the South- 
ern States ? 

" This is a question frequently asked by Europeans. I 
answer that white men do labor with remarkable success in mid- 
summer in the Northern States, where the heat is greater and the 



The State of the Future. 33 

day longer. And what is to prevent them from laboring in the 
South, where the heat is less and the days shorter, the nights 
being deliciously cool ? " 

" Out of the whole numbers of laborers now employed South 
in the cultivation of cotton, it has been estimated that fully one- 
half are white men." 

SUMMER HEAT NORTH AND SOUTH. 

From scientific reports on observations made since 1819 by the Smith- 
sonian Institute, Washington, and published from time to time, we gather 
that : 

Although there is actually more heat in the latitude of New Orleans 
during the year than at Madison, Wis., yet there is more heat received at 
the latter place, during the three months of summer, than in the same 
period at the former place. 

Again : 

Ignorance on the subject of climate is much greater in the United 
States than would at first appear. Wealthy Southerners imagine that if 
they can only grow sufficient cotton or sugar to take them North during 
the summer months, where, during June, July and August, they can manage 
to keep cool, they will be healthy during the remainder of the year, and 
while sweltering in Northern watering places, and roasting in Northern 
cities, they console themselves in enduring the great heat by the mistaken 
belief that it is an unusually heated term for that climate, and that it must 
be much warmer at their Southern homes. 

On the other hand. Northerners who have spent a winter in the South 
in search of health or profit hasten away at the first warm breath of sum- 
mer, impelled by the same delusion. 

Mr. Commissioner Harris says : . 

" There are doubtless excellent lands in the great West, but 
for the information of our readers and newcomers, we will state 
that all such lands have been long since occupied, and the tide of 
imviigration has rolled up to the extreme Western limit, to the dry 
line and the alkahne deserts, and is now flowing back, and tend- 
ing towards the Southwest, a section which, even to Americans, is 
a "terra incognita" where immigration has not been desired or 
invited till recently;" and I fully agree with him. 

The farmer even without means need not hesitate to cast his lot in 
with us ; there is always a demand for agricultural laborers all over the 
State ; of course this demand is increased, and the rate of wages higher 
during the harvest season of sugar, rice and cotton, which last from August 
I St to February ist. 



34 Louisiana and its Resources; 

The class of people most wanted in Louisiana are agriculturists, prac- 
tical men not afraid of work, mechanics of nearly every description, men of 
capital who will engage in stock raising; build mills and manufactories, and 
continue to cultivate the still vast area of lands formerly so productive, now, 
alas, remaining idle. 

No ornamental laborers are wanted, the State being amply suppHed at 
present with professional men, clerks, etc. 

Mr.|Commissioner Harris rightly says : 

" Our country is too accessible and has too many natural 
advantages, for us to pay the passage of any, or invite the masses 
of unproductive people ; we only want those who, with their 
capital or labor, will not only be self-supporting, but add to their 
own and the wealth of the country, and become good and law- 
abiding citizens amongst us." 

No words of mine could better explain how much requires to be done 
and might be done to bring the State up to her capacity for wealth and 
prosperity than the eloquent and burning remarks of Mr. Dennett : 

" Avery's salt mine, not more than a hundred miles 
from New Orleans with easy transportation to that 
city, has only just commenced sending salt to that 
market. 

" The most wonderful deposit of sulphur in the 
world exists in Calcasieu parish, has been know^n for 
several years, yet brimstone is imported into Louisiana 
for the use of the sugar mills. 

" "With an everlasting carpet of sweet grass on the 
prairies, which would make excellent hay if mowed 
and cured early enough in the season, hundreds of 
thousands of bales of long forage are annually brought 
to Louisiana from other States. 

" "With the richest soil in the world, not a boat 
comes dow^n the Mississippi from the Northwest, but 
is laden to her guards w^ith corn, flour, potatoes, cab- 
bages and other provisions. 

""With good w^ater power everywhere in the hills, 
and water enough in the low^ lands to run all the 
/ engines on earth, there are no factories worth men- 
/ tioning. 

""With so many thousands of square miles of pine 
timber, not a barrel of tar, pitch or turpentine is made 
for commercial purposes. 

""With forests of timber adapted to every kind of 
w^ooden fabric, from the most delicate kind of house- 



r 



The State of the Future. 35 

hold furniture to the line of battle ship, everything 
made of -wood, even to axe helves, is imported from 
St. Louis, Cincinnati and New England. 

" There is more scope for energy and enterprise in 
Louisiana than in any other State in the Union." 

I give here intact the Official Report on the soils and products of 
Southwestern Louisiana, published by the Department of Agriculture, 
Washington ; including the parishes of St. Landry, La Fayette, VermiUon, 
St. Mary's, Iberia, and St. Martin's. 

Hon. George B. Loring, 

Commissioner of Agriculture : 

Sir: In accordance with your instructions dated March 5, 1884. I 
proceeded without delay to New Orleans, remained there four days, and 
learned that a large portion of" the section of country that I was to report 
on was owned by residents of that city, who gave me information in refer- 
ence to crops, manner of cultivating ; also what direction to take, mode of 
conveyance, etc.; for it is no easy matter for a stranger to find his way from 
one town to another, owing to the fact that there is but little fencing in 
•some places, and public roads are not very distinctly marked. From New 
Orleans I went to New Iberia, from there in carriage to Orange Island. 
I will here state that the floods that have been doing so much damage to 
the pincipal river emptying into the Mississippi have not reached here yet 
(March 12). I have made arrangements to have all the grass seed sent on 
for experimental purposes put in with care, and so protected that I shall get 
a full and accurate report of the results next season. A portion of it was 
sown on Orange Island, on a piece of land nicely prepared for it. I find 
great prejudice against the Johnston grass. A reply to my question regard- 
ing it was as follows : 

• " That it is a curse to any agricultural country, and it has been found 
impossible to eradicate it. A section of the country where it has been 
introduced has been rendered valueless for agricultural purposes. No 
means of cultivation or rotation of crops can kill it ; and, finally, fields 
where it has once taken root have to be abandoned or given over to the 
grazing of live stock. At best it is very coarse grass, and we have many 
better substitutes." 

Louisiana has a coast line of 1,256 miles, bordering on the Gulf of 
Mexico, and extending from latitude 28° 59' to 33° north, and longitude 
88° 41' to 94° 10' west. The area in square miles is 41,346. It is divided 
into parishes, fifty-seven in number (generally called counties in other 
States). Six will be considered in this report, viz.. Saint Landry, Saint 
Mary's, Saint Martin's, Iberia, Vermilion, and La Fayette. 

The general surface of the State is low, having a very slight elevation 



36 Louisia?ia and its Resources ; 

above the sea-level. There are many swamps of great size, which occupy- 
most of the delta of the Mississippi. 

In the southern part of the State and west of the Mississippi are vast 
prairies, with but slight elevation. On the coast are found many large salt 
marshes. 

This State was first explored by La Salle in 1682, who took possession 
of it with the usual form, and gave it the name of Louisiana. It was settled 
by the French in December 1699, by Iberville, who founded a colony at 
Biioxi, which is now in Mississippi. The first permanent settlement, which, 
still remains within this State, was New Orleans, in 17 18. The French 
remained the owners of it until they ceded it to Spain, in 1762. It was in 
turn retroceded to France, and sold to the United States in 1803 for 
$15,000,000. It then included all the territory west of the Mississippi river- 
not under the Spanish Government. 

The most accurate information in reference to the location and dis- 
tances of the towns, rivers, lakes, bayous, and railroads is found in Dennett's 
general description of Southwestern Louisiana. 

Seventy-three miles west of the city of New Orleans, the Morgan,. 
Louisiana and Texas Railroad crosses the Bayou Boeuf, the eastern 
boundary of the parish of St. Mary's, and several miles further west is 
Brashear City, on Berwick's Bay. About no miles west of Berwick's Bay 
is the mouth of the River Mermentau, which receives the waters of the Nez, 
Pique, through the Upper Mermentau, Lake Arthur, and Lake Mermentau.. 
The rivers and lakes form the western boundary of the parishes of Saint 
Landry and Vermilion. From the northern boundry of Saint Landry to the 
Gulf coast the distance is about t 00 miles, and from Belle River, the eastern 
line of the parish of Iberia, to Lake Arthur, the western limit of the parish 
of Vermihon, the distance is about 80 miles. The southern boundary of 
these parishes is in latitude 29!-° — almost half a degree south of the latitude 
of New Orleans. The northern limit of Saint Landry reaches latitude thirty- 
one, near the true cotton belt of the Southern States. The five parishes, 
Saint Mary's, Iberia, Vermilion, Saint Martin's, and La Fayette, were 
originally called Attakapas, and are now called Attakapas parishes. The 
name was taken from one of the Indian tribes that inhabit this country. 

All trees here grow to an enormous size. I measured a live-oak stump 
which was 9 feet in diameter. Cypress furnishes the lumber for the country- 
Being light and durable, when pressed and polished, it makes very rich 
trimmings, and, in fact, nearly all the finer classes of houses are finished 
with it. 

The trees are all draped with moss, which grows in great abundance, 
and forms one of the industries of this country, and really makes the labor- 
ing man independent ; for a man with ordinary industry can easily earn 
from $1.50 to $2.50 per day, gathering and preparing it for sale. The 
market appears to be as certain as our wheat market. There are dealers. 



The State of the Future. 37 

along the railroad always ready to take it at quotation price, and ship it to 
the manufacturers. It is principally used in making mattresses, which are 
;sometimes sold, or, at least, bought, for hair mattresses. I was very forcibly 
;struck with the idea that this moss business could be worked on a much 
larger scale. The quantity is almost inexhaustible. The cypress swamps 
are so heavily covered with it that in many cases the heavy limbs of the 
trees are broken off by its immense weight, and there it Ues in absolute 
waste. There is a constant demand at a remunerative price, and the 
material is free to any one who wishes to gather it. You can reach by boat 
all those cypress swamps, gather and take off the material with much less 
expense and trouble than you could cart it over dry land. I think it only 
a question of time when a httle more attention will be paid to this branch 
..of industry. 

Soil. — The prairie and all the level lands I visited in this locality are 
•of alluvial origin, with a surface soil of from 3t04 feet of almost inexhaust- 
ible fertility, formed and kept up by the annual decay of vegetable matter 
and overflows from higher altitudes. Some of this land will produce foui- 
•crops of hay a year. I allude to Bermuda grass, which makes the best hay 
that is made in this section. A slight variation is found in the subsoil. 
Mr. Jefferson informed me that he dug through clay at a depth of two feet 
from the surface in sinking his wells on the prairies to be worked by wind- 
mills. In this vast prairie, containing three or four million acres, there is a 
I'series of islands that are not surrounded by large and distinct rivers, but by 
bayous, which are simply little streams that drain them and part of the 
adjacent prairie. On these islands the soil is good, and easy to cultivate, 
hut of course not so rich or so deep as that of the prairies. As a general 
rule the soil runs as follows : first, rich vegetable mold from 4 to 6 inches 
•deep, next loam, then sand, and lastly clay. So far as the soil is concerned 

1 know of nothing that could not be raised here, except timothy and some 
;small fruits that fail in midsummer if the season be dry. 

Although the prairies are wet during the winter and spring months, 
you never find them sour or boggy, and the sweet, nutritious grass never 
ceases to grow, and I have noticed the cattle foraging when the surface was 
covered with water. In going from place to place the residents drive right 
through the ponds and lakes after heavy rains in March in preference to 
going around them. No matter how deep they look to be, there is but little 
deviation from the level. The wheels hardly ever sink beyond the depth of 

2 or 3 inches, even when wagons are loaded. The manner in which these 
prairie lands are drained is by open ditches, cut to natural ponds, as they 
are termed by the natives, or to the bayous. It would be impossible to 
drain these soils by blind ditches. There is almost an endless variety of 
vegetables grown here, and the house gardens can be so planted to yield 
fresh vegetables of some kind the year round. They all seem to grow to 



38 Louisiana and its Resources; 

perfection, and yield abundantly. I will give more in detail of the list of 
vegetables, the yield and manner of cultivation, in my report of the different 
parishes. The people live largely upon sweet potatoes and yams, together 
with fish and game. It seemed to be the market gardens only that were 
stocked with any great variety of vegetables. It was a very agreeable sight 
to see how thoroughly these gardeners attended to their crops after noticing 
with what carelessness the farmers attended to their kitchen gardens. 

Not much wheat is grown. The yield of straw is very heavy ; the yield 
of grain generally light. They sow nothing but spring wheat. 

Farmers turn their cattle on the grain fields, chiefly oats, about the 
middle of February and let them graze two or three weeks. This furnishes 
good pasture, and does not seem to interfere with the yield. I failed to 
obtain the average yield, but in reply to my questions a farmer told me 
he expected to make at least forty bushels to the acre. The Texas or 
other rust-proof varieties are generally sown, because they are best adapted 
to the climate and less susceptible to rust and insects. Rye is seldom grown 
for the grain, but is sometimes sown in the fall for winter and spring past- 
urage. When grain is sown in the fall the land is thrown up in dead 
furrows ; that is, throwing it up in beds about eighteen or twenty feet wide^ 
with an open or dead furrow between, which holds the water during a wet 
season. 

Corn is planted in rows or ridges, five and a half feet apart. They call 
them ridges because they are thrown up very high. These drain the top 
very thoroughly, and the crop is kept moist by the water remaining in the 
furrows until the season is pretty well advanced. All the fields I noticed 
seem to be only one way ; I mean they are not cross-plowed, as I have 
generally seen corn worked. The corn when gathered is housed in the 
shuck. 

Cattle Raising. — One of the principle ^industries of this locality is 
raising cattle for the butcher, and very little attention is paid to growing 
fine stock for dairy purposes. I stopped for some time at the house of a 
gentleman who owns about three thousand cows, and the butter for his 
table came weekly by express from Philadelphia. Cattle grazing yields an 
enormous profit. Cows can be bought very cheap from the fact that there 
is so little demand for their meat ; even the poorest class do not care to eat 
it. They can be bought from $12 to $18 per head, and calves will com- 
mand from $7.50 to $9 in the pasture fields. The only way to account for 
this high price for calves is that veal seems to be the favorite meat. Fresh 
pork is seldom cooked. In fact I never saw any during my stay in that 
locality. 

Cattle raising could be made more profitable than it is by dividing the 
prairies into small pasture fields and by cutting and curing thousands of 
tons of hay that go to waste, to be fed from the rack when the pasturage 



The State of the Future. 39 

grows short. During at last nine months in the year the grass is so strong 
and luxuriant that the cattle tramp down and destroy more than they con- 
sume. It has only recently been discovered that the sea marsh in this part 
of Louisiana affords as good pasturage as there is in the world, strong, 
nutritious grass grows in great abundance, resembling very much in taste 
and appearance what is known in the Middle States as red top, only a little 
taller and as thick as it can stand. From as near an estimate as I could 
make, if cut and cured, which could be easily done in the proper season, 
it would yield 5 tons of good hay per acre. There are thousands of acres of 
the sea-marsh that could be most profitably used by those owning the prai- 
rie or higher land adjoining it. I am writing from personal observation, 
having ridden over it on horseback in perfect safety. The only obstructions 
to guard against are muskrat holes, but for a pasture for at least six months 
in the year, without expenditure, it cannot be excelled. I see no reason to 
prevent them from using it longer, if they will build sheds to protect their 
cattle in midsummer. Some of the natives say that the mosquitoes would 
kill them in the spring season, but this I doubt, for there is always a strong 
Gulf breeze. 

Deer are to be found here in great numbers, also wild cattle and hogs. 

There is no danger from floods from the higher countries, for by inquiry 
from the oldest inhabitants, and these I could rely on for the most accurate 
information, there has been no overflow for twenty-three years, and then 
the water reached the depth of about 10 inches, by backing up from the 
Gulf of Mexico and meeting the floods from the higher lands, remaining 
but a short time and then flowing off rapidly. Even in cases of an over- 
flow, there are spots elevated above the common level on which they can go 
for safety. During the winter season the marsh is covered with a heavy 
growth of the season previous, which makes very good hay, being perfectly 
clean, free from rust or mold, and we noticed our horses ate it whenever we 
gave them the opportunity. But the cattle seem to prefer the green spring 
growth which is just making its way through the root. It has a sweet with 
a very shght salty taste. I saw a lot of cattle that were turned on the marsh 
in December when they were there and in bad condition. They are now 
looking fine and healthy, and nine-tenths of them seal fat. 

This sea-marsh land is very cheap, and yet it is better pasture, in winter 
especially, than the prairie lands that command ten times the price. The 
cattle-dealers who own sea-marsh and the adjoining highlands and prairie 
have a great advantage over those in Middle and Western States, for there 
is- no need of fertilizer of any kind, no outlay for shelter, and very little need 
of fencing. If they fence at all, it is by sticking green willow poles. It 
seems to make little difference whether they be the main stock or branches. 
They immediately take root. On these they stretch the wire, with stakes 
driven down along the line to strengthen it. As the fencing is cheaply 
done, the older it gets the stronger it is. Those who use the sea-marsh as 



40 Louisiana and its Resources ; 

a cattle range drive them oflf in the latter part of August. At this season 
the heavy spring and summer growth has fully matured and begins to dry, 
when it is burned, to be out of the way of the coming crop. This grows 
rapidly, and furnishes good pasture about the time the prairie shows the 
effect of midsummer, especially if the hot season be long and dry. 

In the native cattle there can still be seen traces of the old Spanish 
breed, with enormously long and wide-spreading horns, narrow chests, high 
flanks, and deeply-sunken backbones. All the characteristics requisite for 
good breeding animals are absent. The stock-raisers say that these cattle 
are so thoroughly acclimated that it is a rare thing to see disease or sickness 
of any kind among them, and requiring so little attention, they look upon 
them as the most profitable. Past experience teaches them it is a mistake 
to import old cattle in order to improve the breed, for they invariably die 
off. The few that live after the first year have made these efforts to improve 
stock expensive and unprofitable. Some are now adopting a new method, 
and, I think, the right one, from what I saw. It is importing calves as soon 
as they are old enough to leave the cow. Some attention must be paid to 
them for the first season. They will then thrive and do as well as the native 
cattle. 

I had the pleasure of seeing the finest lot of registered Holstein calves 
that I have ever seen. The owner says they are doing well and looking 
better than the herd from which he bought them in New York. They 
are about ten months old, and are as large as any of the Alderney cows 
on the plantation. This herd is on Mr. J. Jefferson's plantation. He 
also has a herd of about forty registered Short-horns, and some fine speci- 
mens of the Aberdeen Angus breed. He is very favorably impressed with 
the Holstein, and thinks they are f/ie cattle for the country. His efforts 
will be of great value to the people in that locality. 

The following list of fruits and vegetables is given by Dennett : Plums, 
figs, quince, pears, cherries, grapes, papaws, persimmons, pecans, hickory- 
nuts, walnuts, blackberries, dewberries, may-apples, mulberries, crab-apples, 
black and red haws, chincapins, strawberries, and some other fruits ; nuts 
and other fruits of little importance thrive and mature well in these parishes. 
In Saint Mary's and along the coast to the Mermentau, oranges are raised 
yearly in great abundance, and the Mespilus or Japan plums, lemons, limes, 
bananas and pineapples may be produced in the open air as high up as 
Franklin by giving them a little extra attention m the winter. 

Turnips, cabbage, melons and all the other garden vegetables grow as 
well in these parishes as they do north of the Ohio River. 

The best winter gardens contain large white-head cabbage, rutabagas 
and flat turnips, onions, eschalots, garlic, mustard, roquette radishes, cauli- 
flower, beets, cress, lettuce, parsley, leeks, English peas, celery, endive, etc. 
These thrive well in the garden all winter, except in very cold winters, 
where those farthest inland suffer a Uttle from the frost. But this occurs so 



The State of the Future. 41 

•seldom that they have less fear than we have of the drought injuring our 
•crops in the Middle States. 

PARISH OF SAINT MARTIN'S. 

The extreme length of the parish of Saint Martin's is 24 miles, and its 
width averages about 1 8. It contains about 400 square miles of rich prairie, 
swamps, lands heavily timbered, and tillable lands, covered with the finest 
body of timber in the State, suitable for sugar-wood, building purposes, 
cabinet, wagons, plows, and all kinds of wooden-ware. The parish is 
bounded on the north by Saint Landry, by La Fayette on the west, Iberia 
on the south, and Iberville on the east. 

The Teche Lands. — The Bayou Teche enters Saint Martin's at its 
junction with Bayou FusiUer at Amandville, formerly called Leonville, and, 
meandering through the parish, enters the parish of Iberia, 6 miles below 
the town of Saint Martinville, near Lake Tasse, 35 miles from Amand- 
ville. 

The tillable land from Saint Martinville, east of the Teche, is 8 miles 
in width, including all the land between this bayou and Catahoula Lake. 
At Amandville the tillable land on the east side of the bayou is 3 miles in 
width. The average width of the tillable land on the east side of this bayou 
in its entire course through the parish is over 5 miles, and its average width 
on the west side of the Teche is 3 miles. In places in the great bends of 
the bayou will be found some of the largest sugar plantations in the State. 
In our estimation it is difficult to overrate either the beauty or the merits of 
this portion of Attakapas. 

Rich Soil. — The richness of the soil is proverbial, for it possesses all 
the qualities that are essential and desirable in any soil — drainage, ease of 
cultivation, its lasting fertility in the production of sugar, cotton, rice, corn, 
tobacco, indigo, or any other crops now grown or ever grown in the same 
latitude. Fruits, melons, potatoes, cabbages, turnips, and the whole hst of 
field, garden and orchard products can be realized. No portion of Loui- 
siana can excel that of the valley of the Teche in the parish of Saint 
Martin's. 

Forests. — From the open prairie which runs parallel with and near 
the Teche to the Atchafalaya, the eastern limits of Saint Martin's, it is 
almost an unbroken forest of the finest timber in Louisiana. 

In the swamps of the Atchafalaya there are millions of cypress trees, 
tall, straight, and many of them from 3 to 4 feet in diameter. Between 
these swamps and the Teche prairie, on the tillable lands, there is an 
immense unbroken forest of oak, gum, hickory, black walnut, magnolia, 
live-oak, white, red, and other oaks, lime, pecan, sycamore, and other wild 
growths of less importance. On the west side of the Teche, in the rear of 



V 



42 Louisiana and its Resources; 

the open prairie, extending from Bayou Fusilier and the Upper Vermilion, 
down Bayou Tortue to I^ake Tasse, there is a forest of swamps, cypress, and 
also of oak and gum, and other trees which grow on dry and tillable lands. 
Both banks of the Teche are skirted with fine forests. 

The Vale of the Teche. — The lines of swelling forests in the rear 
take the place of hills in helping to form the valley of the Teche. This 
bayou, in its course through Saint Martin's, is extremely beautiful, in many 
respects more beautiful than the Lower Teche, as it meanders through 
Saint Mary's. Its first banks on both sides at Saint Martinville are nearly 
20 feet high. The banks of the bayou have a slope of less than thirty 
degrees to the water's edge. Everywhere there are beautiful building sites 
along the bayou. The banks give the bayou everywhere the appearance of 
a high canal. The water is not more than 2\ or 3 feet deep in summer and 
autumn, and the surface is but 50 or 60 feet wide, but for about six months- 
in the year it is navigable for small steamers. One lock at Saint Martinville 
would render the bayou navigable to the junction the year round. 

The Forest of the Teche. — The scenery all along on both banks 
of the Teche from Saint Martinville to the junction, a distance of 30 miles, 
is the most charming and magnificent we have ever seen in any part of the 
United States. 

The forest trees on both banks, the magnolia, ash, live-oak, red, white,, 
and other oaks, black walnut, hme, gum, pecan, hickory, sycamore, and 
other trees ; all tall, graceful and of generous growth. On thousands of 
acres the grass grows on a smooth surface under the noble branches of 
the magnificent trees. These lands are far more beautiful than the famous 
woodland pastures of Kentucky ; the trees have a more luxuriant growth, 
the foliage is richer and hangs out in the broad branches in a more gen- 
erous abundance. And the soil is rich beyond anything we saw in the great 
West. It is the cleanest looking country I have ever seen. The beautiful, 
smooth prairies look as though they had just been washed. The fat herds 
grazing upon these green expanses help in giving the finishing touch to this 
magnificent landscape scenery. 

Fruits. — Just here I will take occasion to say that peaches seem to- 
thrive particularly well in this parish ; yield certain, prolific, and of the 
finest flavor, and grow very large and perfect in shape. They are finer, and 
do not rot so soon after being picked as those grown farther north. They 
command a high price in the New Orleans market. 

Poultry. — Large flocks of poultry are found on the prairie, for in this 
warm climate very little shelter is needed for them, and they find plenty of 
insects and grass-seed to keep them in good condition. They produce a 
bountiful supply of eggs, which are consequently very cheap. They some- 
times sell as low as 5 cents per dozen, and never more than 10. Grown 



The State of the Futiire. 43 

chickens sell from 20 to 25 cents a piece at the highest. They only eat 
them for a change of diet, for the very poorest class of people live on what 
we of the Middle Northern States term luxuries. All the bayous and lakes 
are full of the finest fish, such as trout, black bass, gar, sachylia, sunfish, 
gaspergo, and numerous others which I do not call to mind just at this 
moment, and on these same waters abound in great numbers canvas-back, 
redhead, mallard, bald-pate, blue and green wing teal, and summer ducks. 
Wild geese are on the lakes and sea-marsh the entire winter. All this is 
perfectly free. There are no ducking clubs or fishing monopolies here. 
Every one is at perfect hberty to fish and shoot. The best jack-snipe 
grounds in the world are found in the Teche country. To give an idea of 
the quantity of snipe, I was one of a party of three that killed fifty-three 
birds on a piece of ground, measured as accurately as we could by stepping, 
that was a little less than an acre. Then we did not kill half that flew up. 
Snipe feed here by the thousand. They also have plover, rail, prairie 
chickens and quail in great abundance. I have seen gunners a Httle farther 
north tramping miles and miles to get a shot at birds found here feeding 
and jumping around seemingly in perfect security, for they are not molested 
here by the sportsmen. I allude to such birds as robbins, doves, flickers, 
reed-birds, field-larks particularly, as they are very shy in the North. They 
do not fly away, but walk, and will let a person get within ten feet of them. 
There are also a great many deer in this county, which generally frequent 
the sea-marsh. Opossum, coon, rabbit and red squirrel are very numerous, 
but are seldom or never hunted. There is game always in season. When 
it is out for one kind, the other is coming, so that a sportsman is always in 
his glory. 

I think what I have said in reference to the boundless supply within 
the reach of every individual living in this section of the country speaks 
volumes in praise of the working-class ; for, notwithstanding fish and game 
can be had for nothing, and that meat is raised at a very trifling cost, good 
labor can be had for $ i per day. 

Though just beyond the limits of Saint Martin's, it may not be amiss 
to notice Amandville and its surroundings. Amandville is settled on a blufif 
at the junction of Teche and Fusilier, about 35 feet above low-water mark. 
The banks on each bayou are here very steep, and the scenery is wild and 
interesting Here are plenty of fish and game. Forest trees hang over the 
banks of the bayous, and in places lock hmbs and branches. The road 
leading north through Opelousas passes for miles through one of the most 
enchanting forests in the South. Queenly magnolias, with their wealth of 
green, glossy leaves and large white flowers, noble oaks, pecans, ash, gum, 
hickory, black walnut, and numerous other trees of rare beauty, spread their 
friendly branches above you as you ride over a good road through this region 
of indescribable beauty. The trees of this forest grow to an exceptionally 
large size, a live oak measuring 5^ feet in diameter at the chopping place. 



44 Louisiana and its Resources; 

Twenty feet from the roots it was 4 feet in diameter. Forty-eight feet at 
the first hmb it was 3 feet in diameter, to the second limb 58 feet. A log 
could have been made of it 60 feet long, nearly 3 feet in diameter at the 
small end and 5-| feet at the larger end. 

Lake Martin. — About 120 miles from New Orleans is a beautiful lake 
over a mile in length and little less than a mile wide, called Lake Martin. 
The soil around is firm, and one may ride to its banks on all sides. Tall 
cypress and ash trees grow on the edge of the lake, but gum, oak, elm, and 
the small growth of the banks of the Teche make a magnificent shade in 
hot weather all around it. The soil is rich and well set in grass under the 
trees. Parties who seek pleasure come here on little excursion trips and 
spent a most enjoyable time through the summer and autumn months. And 
here is the finest place in the South for picnics, fishermen and duck hunters. 
The lake is full of the best varieties of fish. 

Grande Pointe. — Grande Pointe is situated above Breaux Bridge, on 
the east bank of the bayou, and has a front on the bayou of about 15 miles 
in extent. It extends several miles back from the bayou. This settlement 
includes a great number of old creole families. They live in islands of 
timber and coves of prairie, and cultivate cotton, tobacco, corn and sugar- 
cane. The country is beautiful, and the land is rich. The people Hve in 
small, cheap houses. As a general thing they are industrious, civil and 
apparently as content and happy as it is possible to be. 

For general information, T will here state that the term ' ' creole " does 
not refer to any particular class of people, as is generally understood, but is 
a term very Uberally used. It is used in describing live stock, fowls, and 
even productions of the soil. The hotels have on their bill of fare ' ' creole 
eggs," which simply means the eggs which were gathered in the State. The 
impression that the Creoles have African or Indian blood in them is errone- 
ous, for most of them are descendants of the French and Canadians. They 
keep up neighborhood balls every Saturday night. Balls are generally made 
up of the sons and daughters of the creole famihes, who work all day and 
dance all night. There are a great many musicians who are very glad to 
play for the enjoyment they have at the entertainment. The inhabitants of 
these towns and villages are very friendly with each other, and are but httle 
troubled with the jealousies and quarrels which sometimes afflict neighbor- 
hoods. They are extremely sociable, and obtain a large amount of social 
enjoyment at a small expense. 

The timber in Grande Pointe, about a distance of 4 miles from the 
Teche, is gum, pecan, oak, ash, elm and hackberry. The land here looks 
dry and very fertile. 

Coulees and ravines run into the timber-land farther back. The whole 
sheet of country drains well, and some of these ridges several miles back 
were out of the overflow in 1867. 



The State of the Future. 45 

The Natural Ditches. — The sheet of prairie on either side of the 
Teche is everywhere grooved with ravines, which extend many miles to the 
bayous and lakes. They are the natural ditches of this section, and take off 
all the surplus water. But now that those prairies are mostly under cultiva- 
tion, forming some of the finest rice and sugar plantations of the South, the 
planters have expended immense sums of money in cutting artificial drains, 
that the waters may run off more rapidly. Many of those ditches, espe- 
cially those on the dividing lines between plantations, are dug sufficiently 
deep to do away with the necessity of having a fence. Wherever ditches, 
are seen, people may be seen catching fish. In fact, all the little streams 
that lead to the lakes abound in fish of some description. They even catch 
them out of the ditches along the railroad. 

There is every inducement in this section to invite settlers or men of 
enterprise. The country is healthful. The climate is everything that could 
be wished ; even in midsummer you enjoy the cool breeze from the Gulf 
blowing constantly over the prairies, interrupted only by the salt sea-marsh,, 
which is so slight that you enjoy it almost as much far inland as you would", 
on the beach. 

The soil is very rich, and produces bountiful crops of anything you 
plant in it, for I know of no vegetable but what will grow there. 

New Orleans, New Iberia, Morgan City, and other thriving towns 
around furnish good markets where remunerative prices and ready sale can 
be had for all garden and farm products. It is good for mechanics and 
skilled workmen, especially wook-workers, for the very finest timber, both 
soft and hard wood, grows in great abundance in this country. The white- 
oak, hickory and ash in this section are well adapted for building wagons 
and all sorts of agricultural implements, being straight, close-grained, very 
tough and durable. Really, there is no reason why all the agricultural 
machinery which is used here should not be manufactured in this immediate 
neighborhood. 

The strongest dredging machines which are built are made at Morgan 
City. 

Crops. — One of the Louisiana papers, speaking of this section in par- 
ticular, says : 

" More attention is paid to the cultivation of corn than cotton, but 
both crops flourish well, and the yield is remunerative and satisfactory. The 
soil everywhere is rich and easy of cultivation. It would be hard to over- 
estimate the advantages the planters here have over those who grow sugar 
and cotton in the other States. They are great. They have no need of 
fertihzers, and the ground is so rich and mellow that it is very little labor to 
plow it and keep it clean." 

Corn is a crop suitable to this country. All sorts of potatoes yield 
well and are of a very fine quality. The working classes are industrious. 



46 Louisiana and its Resources; 

and well disposed. Pecans form an article of merchandise for this section 
and are publicly more neglected than any other native product. They grow 
wild arid are found much the same as we find the common hickory nut or 
black walnut through the Middle States. The largest and the finest flavored 
grow in this section. They command prices varying from $8 to $20 per 
barrel, and the yield from some of the trees here sounds almost incredible. 
There were two trees pointed out to me that the owner realized $62 from 
in the season of 1882. They are generally gathered in the month of 
October after the first frost. They are easily gathered and the outer shell 
taken off and barreled for market. It would be profitable if this branch of 
industry had a little more energy bestowed on it. It could easily be 
increased 500 per cent. 

PARISH OF LA FAYETTE. 

La Fayette is the smallest of the Attakapas parishes. Its extreme 
length is about 19 miles, and its width about the same. Its northeast 
boundary made by the bayous Carancro and Tortue is irregular, the other 
three Hnes are nearly straight. This parish has an area of about 300 square 
miles, nearly all of which is prairie land and generally cultivated in corn, 
cotton, cane and rice by the larger planters ; while other portions are 
cultivated in various crops, such as potatoes, cabbage, peas, and all sorts of 
garden truck. 

Soil. — The soil of La Fayette parish is a light loam, and more sand is 
found mixed in it than any other. The average depth of the soil is about 
1 2 inches. It rests on a clay subsoil and is like the soil in all the parishes 
in fertility. They are all rich in plant food, and the fertile properties of the 
subsoil are developed by exposure to the sun and mixing with the surface 
soils. There are fields in La Fayette which have been in cultivation for 
eighty years, principally in corn and cotton, and are producing abundant 
crops to-day. The only help they have ever had by way of fertifizing or 
manuring has been occasionally ploughing under a crop of cow-peas. They 
use two-horse plows in breaking up their land and cultivate their crops with 
one. The land is so easily cultivated that they work their crops with great 
ease and rapidity. The prices of good farming lands to-day range from $8 
to $30 an acre. 

Beau Basin. — The road leading from Vermilion to Grand Coteau runs 
through a beautiful agricultural region called Beau Basin. It is 12 miles 
from Vermilion to Carancro Crossing and about 4 from the road to the east- 
ern boundary of Beau Basin, which is the boundary of the parish. 

The lands near Vermilionville are nearly level, but extremely produc- 
tive. A few miles north, between the road and the bayous, the surface 
becomes beautifully rolHng. The gentle slopes and long, tortuous ravines 



The State of the Future. 47 

may be ranked with the most deUghtful landscape scenery in Attakapas. 
Here we find some of the most pleasant building sites in this enchanting 
country. The swells are like the heaving bosom of the ocean after a storm. 
Descending into the ravine, one feels as though he were in a trough of the sea, 
so to rise up again on the mountain wave and look out on the green ocean. 
The cottages of the farmers are neat and comfortable. The green pastures, 
fat cattle, and fine fields of cotton and corn in their proper season indicate 
a rich soil and a prosperous population. Shade trees and clumps of timber 
add greatly to the beauty of the scenery. The fields are generally enclosed 
with nice fencing and the lands are pretty well ditched. The country is 
airy, pleasant, and healthy. Between Vermilionville and New Iberia are 
situated Cote Gelee and Royville. The soil is rich, the country undulating, 
with deeper ravines and higher swells than we find in Beau Basin. The 
farmers are thrifty, but not so independent as they are in the north of Ver- 
milionville. Plain dwelling-houses and groves of China trees may be seen 
in all directions. The scenery in places is quite picturesque. This is an 
open and air country, with pleasant locations for residences, admirably 
drained, the soil rich, mixed with enough sand and vegetable loam to make 
it easy of cultivation. No portion of the South can be more healthful than 
this. The houses are very low and badly ventilated, the inhabitants paying 
but little attention t'o health, sometimes not even having windows. Still, all 
the people appear to be perfectly healthy and have very little use for the 
doctor. 

A great deal of the land in the parish of La Fayette is now and has 
been changing hands. New enterprises and industries are gradually in- 
creasing. 

Vermilion River. — In mentioning this, I cannot do better than copy 
from Darby in his geographical observations : 

" The two vast prairies known by the names of the Opelousas and the 
Attakapas extend themselves on each side of the Vermilion, through its 
whole traverse, from its entrance into Attakapas to its egress into the Gulf 
of Mexico, the distance of loo miles. 

' ' Wood is much more abundant on the Vermilion than along the west 
bank of the Teche, and though the soil may be inferior in fertility, it is 
nevertheless excellent, and the quantity greater on an equal extent of river. 

" There are certainly 80 miles of the banks of the Vermilion which 
have an extension backwards 2 miles, affording 320 superficial miles, or 
204,800 acres. 

" Some of the most beautiful settlements yet made in Attakapas are 
upon this river. From the diversity in soil and elevation, there is no risk 
in giving the preference in beauty of appearance to the banks of the Ver- 
milion over any other river in Louisiana south of Bayou Boeuf. If situations 
favorable to health, united with the most agreeable prospects, bounded but 



48 Louisiana and its Resources ; 

by the horizon, should be sought after ; were taste to select sites for build- 
ings, its research would here be requited and be gratified by the breezes 
which come direct from the Gulf of Mexico. Fancy itself could not form 
a more delightful range than the Carancro and Cote Gelee settlements, 
leaving the dead level of the Teche or the almost flat extension of the 
Opelousas prairie, the eye is perfectly enchanted. If a bold extent of view 
can give vigor to the imagination, if the increase of the power of intellect 
bear any proportion to the sweep of the eye, upon one of the eminences 
ought a seat of learning be established. There the youthful valetudinarian 
of the North would, in the warm, soft and vivifying air of the South, find 
his health restored and his soul enlarged. Astonishing as it may sound to 
many, I do not hesitate to pronounce this, together with the range of hills 
from Opelousas, as the most healthy and agreeable, near the alluvial land 
of Louisiana." 

There are numerous churches of all denominations, with school-houses 
at convenient distances, and well attended. 

Crops and Fruits. — Cotton, corn, sugar, rice, and all of the field and 
garden crops of the other Attakapas parishes, do well here. Common Irish 
and sweet potatoes, melons, peaches, pumpkins and field peas find a remark- 
ably congenial soil. All the fruits of the other Attakapas parishes, except 
oranges and the more dehcate kinds, thrive finely in La Fayette. Formerly 
indigo was profitably cultivated here. 

Poultry. — This is one of the best parishes in the State for all kinds of 
domestic fowls. Some families make a business of it. 

General Facts. — The bayou of river Vermilion is navigable 15 miles 
above the bridge on the New Iberia road, and 75 miles below the bridge 
to Vermihon Bay. Large crops of sugar and cotton are raised in this 
parish. 

The horses, hogs, cattle, and live stock generally are healthy in this 
section. 

The only inconvenience or drawback of this section is the scarcity of 
firewood. The principal source is the trimmings of the catalpa and china 
trees. 

The average yield of corn, where properly cultivated, is from 50 to 60 
bushels an acre. 

Sweet potatoes, from two to three hundred bushels per acre. 

There are a great many Western mules and horses used in this section, 
but there is no reason why they should find it profitable to buy them, for 
the native mules and horses are very good workers. They can endure great 
hardships and are raised at very fittle expense, good pasturage being 
abundant the entire year. 



The State of the Future. 49 

PARISH OF VERMILION. 

General Description. — The parish of VermiHon contains about 
1, 600 square miles of land and water within its limits. About 600 square 
miles of this is tillable woodland, prairie and cypress swamps. About 500 
square miles would include the prairie and 100 square miles the timber 
land, the smaller part of which is cypress swamps. Lakes, bays and sea- 
marsh cover about 1,000 square miles on the surface of the parish. 

About a quarter of the tillable land is on the east side of the Ver- 
milion River or Bayou, and three quarters on the west side extending to 
Lake Arthur and the Mermentau River. The timber land is principally on 
the Vermilion River, extending on both sides from the La Fayette side 
nearly to VermiHon Bay. 

The timber is narrow above Abbeville, but it becomes broad below 
this village, extending out a mile and a half on each side in places. As it 
approaches the bay it becomes narrower. Below Abbeville there is a creek 
on the west side of the river lined with a heavy body of timber, and there is 
another on the east side. A line of forest trees extends across the New 
Iberia and Abbeville road beyond the head of the creek. There is a line 
of Cypress timber, on land a little higher than the prairie, at the edge of 
the sea-march north of Marsh Lake twelve miles long and three-quarters of 
a mile wide, and there are islands of timber on the edge of the sea-marsh 
east of Vermilion River. There is also timber on the south side of Bayou 
Queue Tortue and on Pecan Island and Grand Cheniere River. 

Soil and Scenery. — The soil of this parish is a dark vegetable mold, 
with a large proportion of sand, from 8 to 1 2 inches deep. This rests on a 
subsoil of grayish clay. 

The soil along the Vermilion River has a larger proportion of sand 
than that further back ; this gives the soil a lighter color. On account of 
the larger proportion of sand here than in the Teche lands these fields are 
more easily cultivated, and the roads need but little working — in most 
instances none at all — to keep them good the year round. The bottom of 
the ponds and ditches are not boggy. One may pass over any of them on 
horseback without any inconvenience to the horse or rider. There are 
natural ponds in all these prairies, where the stock cattle are supplied with 
water. These ponds are from twenty to fifty yards in diameter. 

Being forcibly struck with the convenience of those natural ponds, as 
they are called by the residents, I made inquiry as to whether they had been 
made for reservoirs for the purpose of holding a supply for the stock during 
the dry season. The only answer I received was, " they had no recollection 
of any of them being made by the hand of man." Prairie Gregg, which lies 
next to the sea-march southeast of Abbeville, is a beautiful sheet of land,, 
level and rich, the soil darker than that east of Abbeville. The Gulf 
breezes sweep over it uninterrupted by forest trees. There are but few of 



50 Louisiana and its Resources; 

the old inhabitants here who cultivate their lands to any extent, relying 
principally on fruits, poultry, and stock raising, which yield them a revenue 
with which they seem to be perfectly satisfied. 

The Prairie West of the Vermilion River. — Viewed from an 
elevated position of the Queue Tortue, half way between the Vermilion and 
Lake Arthur, the scenery is the most perfect of its kind that fancy can de- 
scribe. Facing the south, one may here turn to the right or to the left, and 
as far as the eye can reach there is one vast extent of natural meadow. 
Here and there may be seen a herd of cattle or horses, almost hidden in 
some places by the tall natural grass. The prairie east, west, and south is 
dotted with little groves of trees, which shade the cottages of the resident 
population, who Hve principally by hunting, fishing, and stock raising. 

Forest Trees. — The dry-land timber is oak, ash, magnolia, .gum, 
hickory, elm, beech, and hackberry. The usual dry-land timber, with the 
exception of chestnut, is present. The swamp growth is principally cypress. 

Crops. — The soil is good for sugar-cane, cotton, rice, potatoes, and all 
the products of the Attakapas parishes. 

The yield of cotton is not as large per acre as in higher latitudes. The 
parish is peculiarly adapted to the cultivation of rice. It may become the 
leading rice parish in the State. Large yields of sugar have been grown 
in the parish ; as large as 3,000 pounds have been produced ; from 80a to 
1,000 pounds of rice. The capacity of the soil is strong, but has been 
neglected on account of the great attention paid to stock raising. Oxen are 
generally used in breaking up new ground, and creole or native horses in 
cultivating it. 

Oxen are not put to work until the grass rises in March, since but few 
of them are fed on hay or corn. 

It is surprising to see so Uttle attention paid to making hay, when it 
could be gathered in great abundance. MiUiohs of tons are trampled under 
foot and go to waste, for the number of cattle that are raised in this section 
cannot consume the great quantity of grass in the growing season. Agricul- 
ture has received less attention here than in the other parishes. 

Good well-water can be had in this section at a depth varying from 
20 to 30 feet. 

A large quantity of poultry and eggs are shipped to the New Orleans 
market from this section. 

This parish abounds in wild game, such as duck, geese, brent, quail, 
wild hogs, prairie hen, and deer. 

Vermilion Bay abounds in fish and oysters. The fresh water lakes, 
ponds, and bayous have an abundance of fish. 

Abbeville. — The Vermilion River is navigable the entire length of this 



The State of the Future . 51 

parish, and vessels ply between Abbeville and New Orleans, carrying the 
products of the surrounding parishes to the metropolis of the South. 

Abbeville is beautifully situated, about thirty-five miles from the mouth 
of the river. 

The population is slowly but steadily increasing. 

Marsh Lake. — Marsh Lake, in Vermilion parish, is usually called 
White Lake. So seldom do the inhabitants penetrate this part of the marsh, 
that many people raised in the parish think there is no lake to be found. 
It is an unexplored region to the inhabitants. 

Islands. — Grand Cheniere, in the southwestern portion of the parish, 
is about 1 2 miles in length, and contains a population of thrifty farmers. 
The soil is rich, and tropical fruits, sugar, and sea-island cotton, tobacco, 
and all other products of Attakapas thrive well. 

Pecan Island, situated in the sea marsh, 6 miles from the sea coast, 
in the Southern part of the parish, is i6 miles in length. It is covered 
with live oak and pecan trees, and contains numerous hogs and cattle. It 
is pretty well populated, and obtains a handsome income from the live 
stock. This island, supposed to have been the resort of " Blue Beard " 
and his men, and other more modern pirates, has often been visited by 
parties in search of hidden treasures. Trees have been chopped into in 
search of copper nails, to get the bearings of pots of money, and pits have 
been dug when the bearings have been agreed upon. There are many 
hundred bones buried here, supposed to be the bones of prisoners brought 
here by the Attakapas Indians, who were cannibals, to be stewed into 
chowder with clams. They are said to have been very fond of this dish. 

Cheniere au Tigre is in the southeast part of the parish, in the sea 
marsh, near the southwest pass of Vermilion Bay. This is a famous stock- 
ranch. Here beeves, as in all other parishes near the coast, keep fat all the 
year round, and are ready for market in January and February. Not less 
than 6, ooo head of cattle live in the marsh along the coast. Stock owners 
live in small groves of timber, and on slight elevation of land, near the 
•coast. Though the parish of Vermilion has been passed by or overlooked 
to a great extent by the traveling public, it has great merits, and these 
merits will before many years be understood. Its situation, away from all 
the great thoroughfares, through the Attakapas, has been the principal cause 
of its not having been more generally visited and better known. Strangers 
who come to Attakapas will do well to visit Vermilion parish and decide 
upon its merits themselves. 

It would be impossible for me to give a better description of Saint 
Mary's than that of Daniel Dennett, whose report I obtained through the 
kindness of my esteemed friend, Mr. Dudley Avery, of Salt Island. All 
that I find essential to add from my own observation is, that some of the 



52 Louisiana and its Resources; 

large tracts have beea divided into smaller farms, and the profits from the 
various pursuits are probably doubled since 1870. 

PARISH OF SAINT MARY'S. 

The parish of Saint Mary's has a front on four great bays, connected! 
with the Gulf of Mexico, 40 miles in extent. It has an average width of a. 
little more than 12 miles. It is about 50 miles by the main road through 
the parish from its western line, near Jeannerette, to its eastern line, at the 
Boeuf crossing of the Morgan Railroad, Before the year 1868, the western 
line of Saint Mary's extended to a point only i mile east of New Iberia, and 
Petite Anse Island was included in the limits of the parish. Its largest 
crops then were 50,000 hogsheads of sugar and 70,000 barrels of molasses. 
Saint Mary's then contained 170 sugar plantations, lining the Teche on both, 
sides. Bayou Cypremort, Bayou Sale, Atchafalaya, Berwick's Bay, the 
Boeuf, Bayou Shaffer, spread out on the Au Large prairie west and the 
Cypremont prairie south of Jeannerette, and on the three beautiful islands,. 
Petite Anse, Grand Cote, and Cote Blanche. Belle Isle in former days was. 
cultivated as a sugar plantation by its proprietor, Dr. Walter Brashear; 
Saint Mary's appears to splendid advantage from the pilot-house of a steam- 
boat as she plows through those navigable bayous, lakes and bay, and to 
poor advantage on the best map that can be drawn. 

General Elevation. — The highest land in Saint Mary's, excepting the 
islands Cote Blanche and Belle Isle, is not over 15 feet above the level of 
the Gulf of Mexico. There is a daily tide of from i to 2 feet in all of her 
bayous and lakes. The highest land about Berwick's Bay has an elevatioa 
of about 10 feet, and from the bay to Pattersonville, and three or four miles 
up the mouth of the Teche the elevation is but little above that around the 
bay and on the Boeuf At Franklin, the west bank of the Bayou Teche is 
about 13 feet above tide water, and the east bank is a little lower. Below 
Jeannerette, the elevation is 15 feet. The two islands, Belle Isle and Cote 
Blanche, at their highest points rise more than 160 feet above the level of 
the Gulf. The sea marsh is most of it under water during storms from the 
Gulf, sweeping toward the land at this point. 

Soil. — There is not an acre of poor land in the parish. Fields that, 
have been cultivated in corn and sugar can for nearly a century without 
manure still produce good crops. The lands are easily and cheaply restored 
after long continued and severe cropping. The parish has land restoratives 
within its limits better than Peruvian guano, as we will show in an article 
under its proper heading. 

Agricultural Products. — Cotton is cultivated in St. Mary's, but it 
is not considered a profitable crop. Sugar cane is the true crop of the 



The State of the Future. 53 

parish. Much of the land is adapted to rice. The sea marsh, by local 
levees and draining machines, make rich rice lands. The soil consists prin- 
cipally of a vegetable deposit of great depth. Swamp lands or any of the 
Teclaimable wet lands are fine for rice • corn, sweet, and Irish potatoes, 
pumpkins, peas, beans, indigo, ramie, arrowroot, ginger, castor-oil bean, 
tobacco, hay, cabbage, and turnips do well in this climate, though a part of 
this list has only been cultivated to a limited extent. Sea-island cotton does 
well on the island along the coast. 

Gardens. — Garden vegetables grow in this parish the year round. 
JSTearly all kinds of vegetables grow the same here as in the North and West. 
The winter gardens contain onions, mustard, eschalots, leeks, garlic, beets, 
cabbage, carrots, turnips, cress, roquette, lettuce, radish, cauliflower, 
celery, etc. Good gardens have an abundance of vegetables, fresh the year 
round. White head cabbage and fine rutabaga and red-top turnips may be 
taken fresh from the garden in January and February, and also in the sum- 
mer and fall. 

Crops, Trade, Etc. — Thirteen thousand slaves were formerly owned 
in this parish, valued at about $6,000,000. Before the war about fifteen 
steamers were engaged on these bayous, lakes, and bays in the busy season 
of the year, and as many as 125 vessels have cleared at the port of Frankhn 
for northern and southern ports, freighted with molasses, sugar and live-oak, 
in one season. The yield per acre in an ordinary season is a hogshead of 
■sugar and 50 or 60 gallons of molasses. In a good crop year double that 
amount is secured. The sugar crop is cultivated nearly the same as corn. 

In boihng the crops it usually takes about three solid cords of wood to 
the hogshead. The crop is laid by before July, and sugar making com- 
mences the latter part of October or early in November. 

Rice Crop. — A Louisiana rice planter gave the following statement: 
Rice lands well cultivated, not flooded, produce 6 barrels, of 250 pounds 
each to the acre, or 15,000 pounds. Flooded lands produce 10 bairels. 
The flooded rice weighs more heavily than rice not flooded. One hand, 
with proper implements and teams, can make 10 acres of unflooded rice, and 
more if flooded. In less than four months from the time the ground is 
ploughed to receive the seed, the rice crop may be harvested. Rice is 
cleaned at the rice mills, at a cent a pound. There are twelve or fifteen 
mills now in operation in the State, and they all do a good business. Most 
of them are situated in the parish of Plaquemines. 

Orange Crops. — The yield of oranges per acre is enormous. It is im- 
possible to make any estimate that is reliable, as we have not the acres or 
yield of any one orchard, but below New Orleans single orchards sometimes 
yield from $10,000 to $30,000 yearly, at a dollar a hundred, the price they 
•often command, being considered the finest flavored oranges in the world. 



54 Louisiana and its Resources; 

The largest orchards produce over 3,000,000 of oranges yearly. Some trees 
commence bearing when they are five or six years old, and earlier bearing 
can be produced by grafting and budding. A full grown, healthy, orange- 
tree, fifteen or twenty years old, in a good season will produce 5,000 
oranges. It takes from 300 to 400 oranges to fill a barrel, equal to three 
bushels, so the largest orange trees produce from 40 to 50 bushels of fruit 
in a favorable season. Oranges usually sell on the tree at $10 a thousand. 

Tobacco. — The profits of tobacco culture in this country are satisfac- 
tory, but it takes too much skill and care to make and save a good article. 
Sugar and rice are less troublesome and more profitable. Perique tobacco 
is generally produced in Saint James Parish, but it may be made in Saint 
Mary's. It is the best smoking tobacco in the world. Perique snuff is not 
excelled by any other. 

Fruits. — Fruits of various kinds ripen in Saint Mary's from April to 
November. 

The mespilus, or Japan plum tree, a beautiful evergreen as large as the 
orange, blossoms in the fall. The fruits grow during the winter and ripen 
in March, except when the winters are uncommonly cold ; then the fruit 
falls. The fruit is yellow, pear-like, and very good. 

Dewberries, large and abundant, grow wild all over the parish; the^ 
ripen in April. Blackberries are abundant ; they ripen in May. Mulberries- 
ripen in May. Strawberries are prolific when properly cultivated, and con- 
tinue in bearing six or eight weeks ; they ripen in April and May. 

Eight or ten kinds of plums ripen in June and July. Eight or ten kinds, 
of figs ripen in July and August. Peaches ripen in August. 

Apples ripen in July, August, and September. The muscadine grape, 
or black scuppernong, grows wild on the banks of all our bayous and in the. 
forests ; it ripens in August. The white scuppernong grape thrives finely, 
especially on the islands of the coast. 

Pears of superior quality grow on the banks of the Teche and thrive 
well. They ripen in August. 

Olives do well in this parish, but no attention has been given to their 
cultivation. They would do well on Belle Isle, Cote Blanche, and the other 
islands. 

Almonds do well in St. Mary's ; they ripen in the fall. Pecans ripen 
in September. 

Oranges ripen in October, and frequently hang on the trees till Decem- 
ber, improving in sweetness all the while. This is the queen of fruit trees. 
Its robes of deep green in mid- winter are beautiful, and its myriads of beauti- 
ful white fragrant flowers in early Spring are only eclipsed by its golden fruit irt 
autumn. Oranges are so plentiful in the lower part of the parish, that they 
are frequently given away by the barrel and seldom sell for more than a 
dollar a hundred. They are much finer than Cuba oranges. 



The State of the Future. 55 

Bananas, lemons, limes, and shaddocks ripen in October. They are 
more delicate than the orange tree, and seldom do well without a little 
extra protection, except in favorable locations in the lower part of the 
parish. 

Pineapples may be raised in the parish with slight protection. Doubt- 
less other tropical fruits will be introduced into this country, and be ranked 
in time with the staple fruits of this parish. 

Apples, currents, damsons, gooseberries, English cherries, and perhaps 
a few other northern fruits, do not thrive well in this climate. It will be 
understood that we do not state that all the fruits in our list are found in 
abundance in Saint Mary's. We merely wish to state that experience has 
proved they may be produced in abundance, excepting apples and a few 
other fruits, if the people will cultivate them. 

Oranges, plums, and figs are the only cultivated fruits that are abund- 
ant, and they require little care or culture. This portion of Louisiana is 
better adapted to fruit culture than any other portion of the United States. 
The fruit here is less troubled by worms, bugs, insects, and diseases than 
any Northern State. Fruit culture in Saint Mary's is yet in its infancy. 
When as much skill and attention are bestowed upon fruits as there has 
been brought to bear upon the Middle States and New England, our parish 
will be a paradise. 

Swamps and Timber. — In the rear of nearly all the plantations in the 
parish there are cypress swamps, containing a heavy growth of trees for 
building and fencing purposes, for making sugar hogsheads and molasses 
barrels, and all other purposes for which cypress lumber may be used. 

Climate. — This parish is favored with a comfortable cHmate. Strangers 
from mountainous and hilly regions cannot understand how this can be, but 
we submit a few facts on the subject. This parish borders on the Gulf 
coast ; we have healthful and cooling sea breezes during the summer and 
fall. Persons sleeping in rooms that are well ventilated never complain of 
hot or uncomfortable nights, even in July and August. In travelii:ig on 
these waters in July and August by night, seated in front, the air is some- 
times too cool to be comfortable. In the summer of 1867, when the ther- 
mometer in New York and Philadelphia was up to 103° in the shade, in 
Franklin it did not go above 92°. The large surface of water, lake, bay, 
and bayous around and within Saint Mary's tempers the summer heat and 
winter cold. The bland south breezes from the Gulf bring comfort, health, 
and healing on their wings. 

The first and lightest frosts seldom appear till November. We have 
not the statistics of the weather in this locality, but those of a parish a little 
farther south than this show that in the last seventeen years the first frosts 
appeared three years in the latter part of October, eleven years in Novem- 



56 Louisiana and its Resources; 

ber, three )'ears in December. The winters are merely the climate of 
Northern autumns. 

Health. — This climate is decidedly healthful. Chills and fevers and 
diarrhea are the principal diseases, and these are generally brought on by 
imprudence or carelessness. They usually yield readily to remedies if 
applied promptly. Most all the disorders of higher climates are rare in Saint 
Mary's. The yellow fever has never been an epidemic in Franklin, Centre- 
ville, or any village above FrankUn but twice since the country was settled. 

Population. — Before the war the white population of the parish num- 
bered about 4, GOO. The people have always been noted for their hospital- 
ity and for their love for law and order. The majority of them were 
decidedly opposed to secession, and ^vere in favor of Bell or Douglas. For 
this reason they were not included in the original emancipation proclama- 
tion of President Lincoln. But during the war nearly all the citizens of the 
parish sided strongly with the South, and as soon as the war was over they 
ardently desired peace, and intended to act in good faith toward the old 
Government and flag. Northern gentlemen and famiHes who have settled 
among them since the war will testify that they have been treated kindly, 
and that they can live as securely here as anywhere in the North or West. 
The stranger and the freedman will be as fairly dealt with by a Saint Mary's 
jury as the original citizens of the parish. 

Plantations and Farms. — There are about 150 farms in Saint Mary's, 
within its new limits, its western line extending from the upper line of the 
Grevemberg plantation, near Jeannerette, striking between Cypremort and 
Grand Cote Week's Island. 

There are 20 plantations on Bayou Salle, nearly all of them in cultiva- 
tion. Twenty-five years ago there were 25 sugar mills on that bayou, all 
run by horse power. Bayou Salle is about 20 miles in length. The tillable 
land on it is a mile wide ; plenty of cypress in the rear of most of the plan- 
tations. These are the best sugar lands in the parish. Bayou Cypremort 
has T 5 plantations ; the tillable land is wider than that of Bayou Salle. It 
has an abundance of timber, ash, gum, magnolia, oak, and a considerable 
amount of cypress. From Frankhn to the mouth of the Teche the distance 
is 15 miles. On this part of the bayou there are 36 plantations. The 
width of the tillable land on both sides of the bayou, on which these planta- 
tions front, is over 2 miles, in some places 3. The distance on the Atcha- 
falaya from the mouth of the Teche to Berwick's Bay is about 12 miles, and 
on this part of the Atchafalaya, there are about 24 plantations, some of 
them small. The tillable land is about the same width as that of the Teche. 
On Berwick's Bay and the Bceuf there are not half a dozen plantations in 
running order. There are 23 plantations and small farms on the bay and 
bayous and lakes near it. From Franklin to the upper line of the parish of 



The State of the Future. 57 

Saint Mary's there are, on the Bayou Teche, 40 plantations and farms. 
The width of the land above Franklin, on the Teche, is greater than that 
below, and the land is higher. In places on each side of the bayou the 
tillable land is more than 2 miles wide. South of Jeannerette, on the head 
•of Bayou Cypremort, the land is from 4 to 5 miles in width. There are 
more small farms in this parish than formerly. Nearly all the plantations of 
the parish are now under cultivation. 

Profits of Small Sugar Farms. — M. E. Meynard, a native of Louis- 
iana, and raised in Saint Mary's, in 1868 rented a small farm at Charenton, 
9 miles from this place, planted and cultivated 40 arpents of land (about 
37^ acres). He planted in cane 22 arpents; corn, 15 arpents; rice, Irish 
and sweet potatoes, etc , 8 arpents. He hired a white man to assist him in 
his crop six months and paid him $90. He hired negroes occasionally for a 
few days. This cost him in all $55. His whole labor account for the 
season was but $145. 

His Crop. — He made sugar cane enough to yield 45 hogsheads of 
^sugar and 60 barrels of molasses. He made rice enough to last his family 
two years. He made Irish potatoes enough for his own use and sold the 
surplus for $135. He raised sufficient corn and fodder to supply his place 
for one year. Not having a sugar mill of his own, he contracted to have 
his cane hauled and worked up 4 miles distant, and gave a third of the crop 
as toll. 

Gross cash proceeds for Afr. Meynard. 

30 hogsheads of sugar, at $120 per hogshead $3,000 00 

40 barrels of molasses, at $20 per barrel 800 00 

Irish potatoes sold for $135 135 00 

Rice, sweet potatoes, and other products , 50 00 

$3,985 00 
Whole cost of labor 145 00 

Proceeds of Mr. Meynard's labor $3,840 00 

Mr. Brownson, who made up Mr. Meynard's crop, sold his toll — 15 
hogshead of sugar, 20 barrels of molasses — for over $2,500. Gross sale of 
sugar, molasses, rice, and potatoes from the entire crop, $7,085. 

The above results are as true as they are extraordinary. The seed 
-cane was good, the season good, and the industry and management could 
not be excelled by any one. Mr. Meynard, at the close of the war, came 
home from the confederate army without a dollar. He now owns the place 
■on which he made the above crop. 

Hedges. — The pyracanth makes the best hedge in this country. It is 
propagated from cuttings, is an evergreen, beautiful, compact, full of short 
thorns, grows thick and close to the ground, can be trained to any desired 



58 Louisiana and its Resources ; 

shape, and makes a good hedge in a few years. The Cherokee rose is- 
useless. The Chickasaw rose makes a good hedge, but it makes a mountain: 
of vines and foliage. The bois d'arc makes a good hedge, but it requires 
too much labor and is too much inclined to grow tall and form trees. 

The China, Catalpa, and Black Locust.— The China is a fine shade- 
tree ; bugs and worms will not live on or around it. It is propagated 
readily from seeds, makes good firewood even when green, makes good 
cabinet wood, grows rapidly, not easy to decay, and makes good fence posts. 
The limbs, cut from trees planted near houses in the prairies, supply many 
families with wood. Its growth is rapid and it bears close trimming. 
Nearly the same facts hold good in regard to the Catalpa and the black 
locust. 

Ffrtilizers. — The deposits in the bottom of the bayous of the Saint 
Mary's are rich beds of muck, into which a pole may be run to the depth of 
lo feet or more. This is an excellent manure for gardens. The supply is 
inexhaustible. The sea-marsh deposit is a fine fertilizer, but the cheapest 
and best of all is the cow pea. All sugar planters will agree to this fact. 
Planted among the corn, and the vines ploughed in, the land becomes 
productive at once. So the planter may get a full crop of corn, and enrich. 
his land with a crop of cow-pea vines the same year at a trifling cost per 
acre. 

Overflows. — The west bank of the Teche, from a point 5 or 6 miles- 
below Centreville to its source in Saint Landry has not been overflowed 
since the memory of man, and it has no levees to protect it. This bank 
protects Bayou Salle, Cypremort, and all of the country west of this bayou. 
The lands in the lower part of the parish and on the east side of the Teche- 
here overflowed in 1778, 1828, and 1867. When Grand Levee on the 
Mississippi stands firm, no part of Saint Mary's can suffer from overflow. 

General Items. — The fishes of the waters in and around Saint Mary's. 
are red fish, black drum, trout, sheephead, flounder, mullet, croaker, cat, 
buffalo, perch, soft-shell turtle, gar, and choupique. 

White men stand field labor in Saint Mary's as well as colored men, 
and have less sickness and mortality. Milch cows, when perfectly attended- 
to, do well in this parish. No richer milk or finer butter is produced any-- 
where than that formerly produced on Bayou Teche. Hogs, chickens, and 
all kinds of poultry do well in this parish, excepting turkeys, which, from, 
some unknown cause, do not thrive well. 

Steamers may land at nearly all of the plantations in this parish. The- 
parish is situated on the tide-water, and never suffers by freshets from heavy 
or long-continued rains. 

The crops of Saint Mary's are laid by and field work stops, or may 
stop, by the ist of July. 

The Teche is considered the most beautiful bayou in the State. 



The State of the Future. , 59 

Bayou Cypremort. — We can give no adequate idea of the beauty of 
the forests of this bayou. Both banks are lined with tall, majestic magno- 
lias, many of them 50 and 60 feet high and clothed with a foliage which, in 
beauty of hues, and gracefulness of their garments, beggars description. Its 
millions of dark green leaves, the upper surface polished and glistening in 
the sun, the underside a beautiful brown color, the graceful form and noble 
bearing of the tree, and in its season myriads of large, white fragrant flowers 
ornamenting all parts of its rich foliage from summit to base, secure to it 
rightfully the title of queen of the forest. Mingled with the magnolia on the 
bayou, we everywhere find the elm, sweet gum, ash, oak, black walnut, 
pecan, hickory, and a rank growth of grapevines clinging to the tall trees 
and burying saplings and the small undergrowth beneath them, forming 
vegetable mounds as large as a dwelling-house of medium size. The road 
leading through these enchanted forests along the banks of the bayous is 
firm, smooth, and sandy. The bayou itself is by no means beautiful, since 
it is usually filled with rank weeds, rushes, willows, and numerous other 
trees and bushes peculiar to the shallow and narrow bayous. It can in no 
place be navigated with a skiff. 

Cote Blanche. — This island is 10 miles from Frankhn by water and 
20 by buggy road, via Cypremort and across the march. Cote Blanche 
rises up an island mountain out of the marsh by the Gulf of Mexico. Its 
highest elevation is 180 feet above the level of the Gulf It has hills and 
dales, valleys and plains, lakes and springs, a rich soil, and a climate in 
which it is hard to get sick or die. The pure sea breezes from the Gulf fan 
and cool its surface during the summer and autumn months and temper the 
winds of winter. On the south side, next to the Gulf, is a bold precipice a 
hundred feet high, whose base is washed by the salt waves. Here is fine 
bathing when the tide flows in ; the beach is fine and smooth, and the 
bottom gradually deepens so that bathers may wade out a hundred yards. 
On the bluff behind the precipice, overlooking the Gulf, the surface is rolling. 
A fine site for a village of pleasure seekers, and such sleeping and bathing 
as may here go almost hand and hand, few have ever enjoyed. 

This island, at some future day, may be made one of the most beautiful 
spots on the face of the earth. Here sugar cane, sea island cotton, tobacco, 
rice, corn, sweet and Irish potatoes grow in the greatest luxuriance, and 
grass abounds where the plough or shade trees do not oppose it ; and when 
we come to the fruits, what may we not say of it? This island of 2,000 
acres may one day become almost an unbroken vineyard, and the best wines 
and brandies, in large quantities, may be exported from it. Here olives, 
oranges, lemons, bananas, citrones, limes, and many other tropical fruits 
may be made to bring large revenues to the island. The mespilus, peaches, 
figs, plums, dewberries, blackberries, strawberries, all do well in this favorite 
spot, and here melons and garden vegetables grow and thrive as they seldom 



60 Louisiana and its Resources ; 

thrive elsewhere. In addition to all its other merits, it affords the finest 
pasture for cattle and horses, a fine range for hogs and domestic fowls. In 
the waters in front and the bayous around the island the supply of fine fish 
is inexhaustible, and oyster reefs in abundance ; deer, geese, duck, and 
brent are at the service of epicures and hunters. The broad sheet of the 
marsh around this island furnishes the best winter range for cattle. Thou- 
sands could find ample support, as they do in the marsh in other portions of 
the Gulf coast. After the first frosts of winter appear, the immense sheet 
of stubble is burned oft' and an abundant growth of young grass continues 
to spring up during the winter and spring. The most of the surface of this 
marsh is firm enough to bear up horned cattle as they rove over it for food 
when the grass on the prairie is dead. 

So much for Cote Blanche Island, now the property of WiUiam Fel- 
lowes, Esq. , of New York. 

Sugar crop of Sai7it Mary's, 1869. 

Hogsheads. 
Bayou Teche, New Iberia to Franklin I4)i55 

Franklin to mouth of Teche 9)46i 

New Iberia to mouth of Teche, 60 miles 23,616 

Atchafalaya, mouth of Teche, to Berwick's Bay, 12 miles S>394 

Berwick's Bay 1,818 

Bayou Boeuf 3)3I7 

Bayou Salle, 20 miles 3)957 

Bayou Cypremort, 20 miles 2,443 

"Weeks's or Cote Blanche Island 711 

Petite Anse, or Salt Island 662 

Cypremort, Au Large, and Petite Anse prairies, Grand Lake, etc 2,716 

Sugar crop of Saint Mary's, 1859 44,634 

Molasses, same year, about 70,000 barrels of forty gallons each, 2,800,- 
000 gallons. 

PARISH OF SAINT LANDRY. 

Area" AND Physical Character. — The parish of Saint Landry con- 
tains about 1,350,000 acres, nearly equally divided between woodland and 
prairie. About three-quarters of the land is suitable for planting and graz- 
ing purposes. It is well watered by numerous bayous, running streams, and 
branches, nearly all clothed with a generous growth of timber, in many 
places a mile wide. Between the timbered streams fine natural meadows 
spread out, clothed over nine months of the year with grass that contains 
large herds of cattle and horses. 

The Soil and Face of the Country. — In the upper part of the 
parish nearly all the streams fed by springs take their rise. Here the coun- 
try is somewhat hilly and is covered by a dense forest of pine, oak, ash, 
walnut, hickory, and other valuable forest trees. Here also are found 



The State of the Future. 61 

valuable mineral springs, which are much resorted to by invalids and which 
possess great curative properties. Considerable deposits of limestone are 
here found, from which, for home consumption, is made a very excel- 
lent lime, and a very fine quarry of marble, which is susceptible of a 
beautiful polish and is valuable for being made into mantel-pieces, monu- 
ments, etc. The soil in the middle and lower portion is excellent, resting 
on a subsoil of a fine brown or grayish clay, which, when plowed up, ex- 
posed to the weather, and mixed with surface soil, is as rich as the upper 
stratum. That subject to overflow, being rich alluvial, is inexhaustible and 
adapted to all the products of this latitude. The soil of the prairie is gen- 
erally mellow and easy of cultivation. Grass covers all portions of the 
parish except the cultivated fields or surface covered by forest or water. 
More than half a milUon acres of grass in Saint Landry is not under fence. 
The greater portion of the wealth of Saint Landry has been obtained from 
horses and cattle on the prairies, raised without hay or shelter. On these 
prairies a hundred thousand tons of hay might be made yearly for the New 
Orleans and other markets. 

The following geographical description is found in a report made by 
Darbey in 1817, when the Sabine was the western boundary of the parish 
of Saint Landry, including a description of the Opelousas prairie : 

Prairies and Herds. — This vast expanse of natural meadow extends; 
75 miles southwest and northeast and is 25 miles wide, containing more- 
than 1,200,000 acres, inclusive of the numerous points of woods that form 
its margin on all sides. This prairie begins 13 miles northwest of Opelousas 
and, gradually opening to the southward, sends out various branches- 
between the bayous. 

Of the herds as there seen on the prairie the same author remarks : 
" Here you behold those vast herds of cattle which aff"ord subsistence to the 
natives and the inhabitants of New Orleans. It is certainly one of the. 
most agreeable views in nature to behold from a point of elevation thou- 
sands of cattle and horses of all sizes scattered over the intermediate mead, 
in wild confusion. The mind feels a glow of corresponding innocent enjoy- 
ment with those useful and inoffensive animals grazing in a sea of plenty. 
If the active horsemen that guard us would keep their distance, fancy would, 
transport them backward into the pastoral- ages. Allowing an animal to be 
produced for every five acres more than two hundred and twenty thousand, 
can be yearly reared and transported from this prairie alone, which, at an . 
average often dollars a head, would amount to $2,200,000." At the time 
the above article was written, the year 181 7, Mr. Darbey estimated the 
herds of the three greatest stock owners of the country, Mr. Wikofif, Mr. 
Fontenot, Mr. Andrus, at 20,000 head. 

Overflows. — Portions of Saint Landry on the Atchafalaya and some 
of the bayous are subject to overflow when Grand Levee gives way, but_ 



62 Louisiana and its Resources; 

most of the lands have never been under water since the parish has been 
inhabited by white men, and never can be ; and even the overflowed lands 
may be converted into rice plantations to some extent, or reclaimed when 
the levees of the Mississippi and Atchafalaya are made secure. Most of 
the lands subject to the overflow are the richest in the world and contain a 
heavy growth of cypress. 

Crops, Fruits, and Gardens. — T/ie crops, fruits^ and gardens of Saint 
Landry and of the other five parishes described in this circular, excepting 
cotton and oats, are less troubled by i?isects and vermin and less liable to dis- 
ease than they are in higher latitudes itt other parts of the United States. The 
surface cultivated in Saint Landry yearly ajnounts to about 100,000 acres. 
About one-third of this is planted in cotto?i. Not a tenth part of the tillable 
land is tmder cultivation. With a worki?zg populatioji like that of the West- 
ern States, and the same kind of cultivation, that parish might send to market 
yearly 100,000 bales of cotton, 50,000 hogsheads of sugar, 75,000 barrels of 
molasses, and rice, tobacco, broom corn, basket willow, beeves, hay, horses, 
milch cows, sheep, hogs, hides, poultry, eggs, rosi?i, turpentine, and other valu- 
able products to the amount of from $10,000,000 to $15,000,000. Such 
varied and valuable resources in a climate so salubrious can 
hardly be found anywhere else on the face of the earth. 

Timbered Bottoms. — The timbered bottoms are rich and are excel- 
lent for sugar, rice, cotton, corn, sweet and Irish potatoes, peas, tobacco, 
melons, pumpkins, hay, garden fruits, etc. No richer land can be found 
anywhere. They are heavily timbered with the best of sugar wood, and 
the swamps contain an inexhaustible supply of the best of timber for build- 
ing purposes and for hogsheads and barrels for the sugar planters. 

Bayous, Rivers and Streams. — The Atchafalaya on the east connects 
this parish by steamboat navigation with New Orleans. 

The Bayou Courtableau, formed by the junction of the Crocodile and 
the Boeuf, affords good navigation to Washington the entire year, with slight 
and occasional interruption during the summer. The route is down the 
Courtableau to the Atchafalaya, thence up the latter to the Mississippi 
River, and thence to the city of New Orleans. The Bayou Boeuf is the 
channel of transportation for the planters by means of barges to Washing, 
ton, and the Crocodile affords means of transportation to the lumbermen. 
The Plaquemine Brulee, the Mallet, the Cane, and the Nez Pique are fine 
streams, but not navigable. The Mermentau, formed by the Nez Pique 
and Plaquemine Brulee, is a fine, navigable stream. Vessels ascend it some 
70 miles for lumber, which is taken to Texas, Havana, and the Mexican 
ports. Upon these streams are found large bodies of timber, suitable for 
all the purposes of building and fencing, and they aff'ord an unfailing supply 
of water for stock. The parish has 230 miles of navigable water. 



The State of the Future. 63 

The Sugar Crops. — Small crops of sugar cane on small farms are 
well adapted to white labor. The cane may be planted in the fall, winter, 
or spring, and laid before the ist of July, and no labor is then needed in 
the crop till the ist of November, when the ripe cane is ready for the mill. 
Sugar cane is not subject to disease and the ravages of bugs and insects 
like most other crops. Small sugar farms, where from 20 to 100 hogsheads 
of sugar are made by white labor, are very profitable. They are a com- 
plete success. 

Profits of Sugar Cane and Cotton Culture in Saint Landry, — 
The following is the most accurate statement in reference to costs and 
profits that I could procure : 

Messrs. Lewis and Mullet : 

Gentlemen : I employed the past year twenty-two hands, to wit : Fifteen men, two 
boys, and five women. Had in cane 90 acres, in corn 170, and in cotton 100 acres, besides 
several acres in potatoes and garden. 

Result of the Year's Work. 

Ground 50 acres of cane in 18 days, making 108 hogsheads of 1,250 pounds each, 

which sold at 10 cents $13,000 

I made 200 barrels of molasses, equal to 8,000 gallons, at 70 cents 5, 600 

Also 7,700 barrels of corn 2,100 

Also 86 bales of cotton, equal to 38,000 pounds, at 22 cents 8)5I4 

Gross receipts $29,214 

Expenses. 

My total expense for provisions, repairs, hire of labor, sugar-maker, hogsheads, and 
barrels were $10,000, which, deducted from the gross income, leaves $19,214 as my year's 
income. Yours, 

ALBERT GANTT. 

H. M. Payne reports as follows : 

On the Borbreck and Saint Peter's plantation sugar produced 460 hogsheads of 

1,250 pounds each, which, at $100 per hogshead, yielded $46,000 

27,600 gallons of molasses, at 50 cent per gallon 13,800 

Gross profits $59,800 

Expenses 19,000 

$40,800 
Besides the above, we produced 15,000 bushels of corn, which is at least 3,000 or 
4,000 bushels more than we require for the use of the plantation. 

Yield of Cotton, Sugar, and Other Crops. — In Saint Landry 
13,000 pounds of seed cotton to the acre, or about 400 pounds of lint, is a 
fair yield. In the true cotton zone, which is above the latitude of this 
parish, about 32° north, 8,000 pounds of seed cotton may be produced, or 
600 pounds of lint. Whilst it is admitted that the cotton plant is liable to 
injury from insect, still, in the main, as many full crops are made as any 



64 Louisiana and its Resources ; 

other product of the soil, and the chances of success are by many thought to 
be as favorable in this branch of industry as in any which engages the 
farmer. One hogshead of sugar and 60 gallons of molasses may be con- 
sidered an ordinary yield per acre in this parish, but I was assured by a 
gentleman that 25 hogsheads of sugar have been produced from 6 acres in 
Saint Landry. That is the best yield that has ever been known in a sugar 
parish in the State. Sixty gallons of molasses usually diain from a hogshead 
of sugar. Commercial manures will doubtless largely increase the average 
yield of sugar in all these parishes, and the same facts hold good in regard 
to cotton and other crops. The yield of corn in Saint Landry is about 
35 bushels to the acre; potatoes, sweet and Irish, well cultivated, from 
250 to 300 bushels to the acre. Pumpkins, peas, beans, pindars, broom 
corn, etc., give heavy returns. 

Masts and Hogs. — Saint Landry abounds in oak forests and masts of 
various kinds. The hog range is excellent, and while clover grows luxur- 
iantly, equal to the native grasses, in no other portion of the United States 
are hogs more healthy or profitable than in Saint Landry. 

Oak Bark and Tanneries. — A country abounding as this does in oak 
bark, sumac, and hides, and where tan pits may be kept open during the 
entire winter, offers great inducements to tanners. 

Feeding Stock. — Stock raisers feed from the 15th of January to the 
15th of March. In mild winters very little food is necessary. Wild stock 
are never fed on hay and have no shelter. They yield 25 per cent, income 
on the investment. Gentle stock may be made to yield over 40 per cent. 

Wells. — More wells, as a general thing, are found in Saint Landry than 
in the other parish. Good water is found at about 25 feet. Owing to the 
scarcity of stone, and it being more convenient to use wood, they are curbed 
with cypress. 

Crops Adapted to Saint Landry. — Cotton, corn, sugar, cane, broom 
corn, ramie, flax, hemp, sweet and Irish potatoes, cow peas, indigo, rye, 
sorghum, pindars, cotton oil, beans, oats, barley, pumpkins, cabbage, 
turnips, and garden vegetables of all kinds. 

Fruits. — Peaches, apples, pears, plums, figs, grapes, quince, black- 
berries, dewberries, strawberries. May apples, persimmons. May haw, and 
papaws. Oranges may be cultivated successfully in the southern part of the 
parish. But little attention is paid to fruit culture. 

PARISH OF IBERIA. 

General Description. — Iberia parish extends from Belle River, east 
of Grand Lake, to a line running from the west end of Lake Peigneur to 
the mouth of Petite Anse Bayou. It is bounded on the north by Saint 



The State of the Future. 65 

Martin's and on the south by Saint Mary's ; east by Assumption, and west 
by Vermilion and La Fayette. Its length is about 45 miles. Its widest 
part is about 20 miles. Much of the eastern portion is water and cypress 
swamp. . The tillable land along the west side of the Morgan Railroad and 
the Teche, from the parish line below Jeannerette to New Iberia, called the 
Au Large prairie, has a width of about 6 miles, and it is a little wider above, 
between the railroad and Lake Peigneur ; the land from the Hne where the 
railroad enters the parish below Jeannerette to the line where it leaves it, 
west of Lake Tasse, is about 20 miles in extent. All the land is tillable 
between Lake Peigneur and Lake Tasse and in the great bend of the Teche 
northeast of New Iberia. There is a sheet of tillable and fine grazing land 
south of Lake Peigneur. The Teche is lined with plantations nearly the 
entire distance from the entrance into the parish of Iberia, east of Lake 
Tasse, to the line where it leaves the parish, below Jeannerette. 

The portion of the parish that borders on Grand Lake is a dense 
cypress swamp, and bordering on this swamp there is a growth of gum, ash, 
oak, and other timber. The tillable land opposite and above Jeannerette 
is 2 or 3 miles in width. Around the great bend of the bayou above, called 
Fausse Pointe, the tillable land has a much greater width. The lands in 
all parts of this parish are rich. On the west side of the bayou there is a 
scarcity of wood-land, and on the east side there is an abundance of cypress 
and wood for sugar-making. 

The Teche and its Scenery. — From the point where the Teche 
enters the parish of Iberia, about 5 miles below Saint Martinville, by the 
windings of the bayou, to New Iberia, the distance is about 25 miles. This 
portion of the bayou is extremely beautiful. Its banks are generally 18 feet 
above tide water, and they descend gently to the edge of the water at an 
angle of less than 30 degrees. The bayou around this bend in the low-water 
season is 90 feet wide, and has a depth on its most shallow bars of 3^ feet. 
Forest trees and water willows line both banks most of the distance, the 
branches in many places hanging over the water and brushing both wheel- 
houses of steamers as they pass up and down between New Iberia and 
Saint Martinville. The houses of the planters are generally situated near 
the edge of the bayou. Most of the houses are plain, but comfortable, and 
the proprietors are quite independent. There are many live-oaks, pecans, 
and other noble forest trees growing on both banks of the bayou, that add 
greatly to the beauty of the section of the parish. Below New Iberia the 
Teche is broader and deeper than above. The plantations are larger, the 
houses and improvements finer, and there are fewer trees growing on its 
banks. Here we find palatial residences, grand sugar-houses with chimneys 
towering skyward, plantation villages called the " quarters," orange groves, 
groves of the mespilus, flower gardens, and beautiful shrubbery, floating 
bridges, and the general paraphernalia of wealth and lordly possessions. 



66 Louisiana and its Resources ; 

The Au Large Prairie. — This is a stretch of land south and west of 
New Iberia, and a more beautiful prairie country is seldom or never seen, 
and is cultivated principally in sugar. 

Around New Iberia. — The more we circulate over this country, of 
which New Iberia is the trading center, the more we are impressed with its 
beauty and its value for farming purposes. It is a lovely and wonderful 
country. Its bayous, lakes, prairies, and wood-lands are all beautiful. The 
sea breezes roll over it and give health and long life to its inhabitants. Its 
climate is a medium between the tropical and the northern temperature, 
combining most of the advantages of both, and the evils of neither. 
Steamers from New Orleans and vessels from the ocean penetrate its very 
centre and the cars of the Southern Pacific Railroad, connecting New 
Orleans and the Pacific coast, pass through it daily. 

Orange Island. — Orange Island, now the property of the great artist, 
Mr. Joseph Jefferson, was formerly called Miller's Island. It bounds Lake 
Peigneur on the south and lies in a curve of the lake, which has the shape 
of a new moon. The highest point of the island is 75 feet above the level 
of the lake and 84 feet above the level of the Gulf of Mexico. It has hills, 
valleys, level and inclined planes, and from its bluff banks in places the 
branches of trees hang out over the waters of the lake. 

Orange Island is in a line with Petite Anse, Grande Cote, and Cote 
Blanche Islands. Each is separated from the neighboring island by a 
distance of nearly 6 miles. 

Orange Island rises above the level of the surrounding prairie and the , 
lake, as the other islands rise above and overlook the surrounding sea 
marsh. But a short distance off flows the Petite Anse Bayou, draining the 
neighboring country, and emptying into the Gulf, 10 miles below the island. 
The constant sea breeze renders the spot healthy and pleasant as a resi- 
dence. There is on this island what is claimed, and I have no right to doubt, 
the oldest orange grove in this country. Many of those trees are very large, 
some of them a foot in diameter. Mr. Jefferson now has eight orange 
groves, and raises an immense crop of oranges every year. There are over 
one thousand young and bearing pecan trees. Also cherry, fig, peach, 
quince, mespilus, mandarin, lemons, and blue plums. The finest magnolias 
and hve-oaks in the world grow on this island. The magnoUa grows to an 
enormous size. Mr. Jeff'erson has erected a palatial mansion on the eleva- 
tion overlooking the lake, which, with its surroundings, makes it one of the 
most beautiful houses in the United States. Passing from his residence to 
his boat-house on the lake, you go through an avenue of stately hve-oaks, a 
mao-noha and orange grove. Seen from the summit of the bluff the lake 
spreads out almost beneath the feet of the observer, while the gleam of its 
silvery surface closes the vista of the principal avenues leading from the 
house. Mr. Jefferson has 9, 000 acres ; the soil is very rich, and most of it 



The State of the Future. 67 

easy of cultivation, producing in one instance four hogshead of sugar per 
acre. He now uses the entire property for cattle grazing, and has probably 
5,000 head. He has a number of fine blooded horses and a good collection 
of registered cattle. He is very favorably impressed with the Holsteins ; 
has watched some for five years to note the effects of the cHmate, and is 
very well pleased, and will go more extensively into the breed hereafter. 

Crook's History and Description of Salt Island. — Until recently, 
I^ouisiana, or at least the southwestern portion, was supposed to be of alluvial 
origin, a river delta, in fact, without any mineral resources whatever, and 
the discovery some years since of a remarkably fine and rich bed or deposit 
of rock salt was a genuine surprise, followed a year or two later by the 
equally unexpected discovery of an extensive bed of almost pure sulphur. 

An attempt was made to reach and work this sulphur deposit, but as it 
failed at the time and is for the present abandoned, our attention will be 
given to the deposit of rock salt, which is now being worked by a mining 
company of New York capitalists. 

The locality of the mine is Petite Anse Island, one of a series of islands 
(so called) or small hills in Southwestern Louisiana, five in number, and 
6 miles apart, running in a direction nearly northwest to southeast, and in 
so direct a line that a ruler laid on the map will cut the centers of all of 
them. Beginning at the west, they are named Jefferson's, Petite Anse, 
Grand Coteau, Cote Blanche, and Belle Isle ; no minerals have been found 
on any of them except Petite Anse. Although called islands, the only one 
really entitled to the name is Belle Isle ; all the others being merely hills 
rising out of the sea marsh that skirts the southern portion of Louisiana. 
Petite Anse is in extent about 2,500 acres; the soil is quite sandy but 
fertile, and the highest point is 180 feet above tidewater. 

The discovery of the mine or salt proper was made in the early part of 
the late civil war, and was brought about by the strictness of the federal 
blockade and consequent stoppage of the supply of salt from abroad. At least 
as early as the beginning of this century salt springs or licks were known to 
exist on the island, and during the war of 181 2 parties utilized the water of 
these springs in the manufacture of salt for local consumption. The return 
of peace brought salt into the country again, and as the rudely improvised 
plant of the Louisiana manufacturers could not compete with the better fur- 
nished mines, the work was abandoned, and soon became little more than 
a tradition. The late war again deprived this portion of the country of 
salt, and, driven by necessity, the old wells were hunted up and cleared out, 
and the manufacture of salt from the brine was again resumed with such 
appliances as could be found on the sugar plantations. The demand soon 
became too great for the supply furnished by the wells, and in cleaning one 
of them out and deepening it for the purpose of getting a better supply, the 
unexpected discovery was made of rock salt only 16 feet below the surface. 



68 Louisiana and its Resources ; 

Extent of the Deposit. — Immediate examination was made and the 
fact was soon established that the rock salt was found in considerable 
quantity. A report was at once made to the Confederate Government at 
Richmond and a more extended survey was had under their auspices 
resulting in their taking charge of and working it for some time. After the 
close of the war a more thorough survey was made, with a view to the 
development of the mine and placing it correctly before investors This 
survey showed that the deposit underlies about 150 acres of surface area, 
and that wherever struck it was identical in quality and structure. The 
depth of the deposit is unknown, but is beheved to be considerable, as the 
workings show the stratification to be nearly perpendicular, which would 
indicate an upheaval, and that the present width of the mass was its original 
depth. The floor of the present workings is 140 feet from the- surface, the 
shaft penetrating 25 feet of surface soil and 115 feet of salt, of which 50 feet 
is left for roof and 65 feet excavated. As this level will yield, exclusive, 
etc., 15,000,000 tons of salt, it will be seen that there was no need of any 
deeper- exploration, and, as there is a possibility of striking water at a lower 
level, it has never been deemed advisible to bore further as a mere matter 
of curiosity. 

Quality of the Salt. — The following analysis of the salt, made at 
different times over a period of ten or twelve years, will give a better idea of 
the purity of this remarkable deposit than any description : 

Afialysis made by Goessmann. 

Per cent.. 

Chloride of sodium 98.88 

Chloride of calcium Trace.. 

Chloride of magnesium Trace. 

Sulphate of lime 0.79 

Water 0.33 

Working of the Mine. — Shortly after the late war, a company was 
formed to work the mine. A shaft was sunk and some work done, but the- 
enterprise was abandoned in a short time and lay idle until 1878, when; 
another company was formed to carry on the work, but, finding that a much, 
larger capital was required to put it on a successful footing than they had an- 
ticipated, they in turn, after a very short trial, retired in favor of a company 
of New York capitahsts, who are now mining the salt and pushing the work 
vigorously. They have put in a large quantity of the most modern machinery, 
dug canals, built and chartered steamships and vessels, and lately have com- 
pleted a railroad to the mine, which places them in direct communication 
with the entire railroad system of the United States, and permits shipment 
from the mine to any point without breaking bulk. The salt from this- 
mine is marketed principally in Galveston, New Orleans, and Mobile, for 
the Southern States, but large quantities are also shipped to the western 



The State of the Future. 69 

imeat packers in Kansas City, Saint Louis, Chicago, etc., and its sale is 
bein^ pushed wherever a market can be found. 

The Manner of Mining. — The manner of mining is by driving 
galleries, or rather tunnels, into the solid rock, and these galleries are 
crossed at right angles by others. The width of the workings averages about 
35 feet, and the height 65 to 70 feet. The roof consists of 50 feet of solid 
salt left for that purpose, and is supported by pillars 35 to 40 feet square. 
The salt is blasted out with dynamite, and the bore or blast holes are made 
by hand power with a drilling machine, somewhat on the principle of a 
carpenter's auger ; two men working one machine can easily average 60 feet 
•of boring per day. 

The miners are almost all Germans from the salt mines of Stassfurt. 
They earn, on an average, $3 per day, and the laborers who load the cars 
and forward them to the foot of the shaft, about $1.75. The work is quite 
healthy, there being no noxious gases or water to interfere with the men ; 
the temperature is also pleasant and equable the year round. 

Manufacture of the Salt for Market. — -After the salt is mined, it 
is hoisted to a platform, some 60 feet above the ground, to the crushing 
machine, where it is reduced to a suitable size for the mills on a still lower 
level. The mills are the ordinary underrunning French burrstone mills, in 
common use throughout the country for grinding grain. They are 36 inches 
in diameter, and run at the rate of 300 to 350 revolutions ; will manufacture 
90 sacks of 200 pounds per hour, of a grade corresponding to Liverpool 
'Coarse salt. From the mills the salt is run into the sacks or barrels ready 
for market, and loaded directly on the railroad cars. The whole thing is 
more quickly done than described. It is perfectly possible that a piece of 
«alt may be lying in the sohd mass in the position it has occupied for ages, 
be blasted out, hoisted, crushed, sacked, and be loaded in cars en route for 
market in ten minutes. 

The salt is manufactured into any size or grade the market demands, 
from table salt as fine as flour, up to lumps of solid rock as large as can be 
■conveniently handled for farmers' use. It will be seen that the manufacture 
is mechanical, no chemicals being used ; the only precaution necessary to 
produce a beautiful white article being care and cleanliness in handling. The 
works are now producing 200 to 210 tons per day, and machinery is being 
■erected to double this capacity. 

General Remarks. — The great strength and purity of this salt, the 
absence of lime and sulphur, renders it particularly adapted to the preserva- 
tion of meats. It has had careful and extended tests by a number of the 
largest packers of the North and West, who are now the best customers of 
this company. The outlets for this salt to the markets of the country are 
by sea to the ports on the Gulf of Mexico, by inland, bay, and river routes 



70 Louisiana and its Resources; 

via Atchafalaya River to the Mississippi, or by rail, via Morgan, Louisiana 
and Texas Railroad, to a connection with the entire railroad system of the 
United States, viz.: At Vermilionville, with the Huntington system for 
Texas and the Southwest ; at Alexandria, with the Gould system for Nor- 
thern Texas and the whole Northwest, including Chicago ; and at New 
Orleans, with the various railroads from that point. The cars are loaded 
either in bulk or in packages (sacks or barrels) direct from the mills, and 
the shipment thus reaches the consumer without rehandling or breaking 
bulk m transit. 

No thorough or systematic geological examination of Southwestern 
Louisiana has ever been made, and no very satisfactory explanation of the 
presence of this mass of salt, apparently adventitious, has been given. The 
most plausible theory seems to be that it was formed in a pond or basin by 
salt springs from a great depth, and that the stratification or bands pre- 
viously referred to, resembling the rings in the trunk of a tree, and averaging 

3 or 4 inches in width, are to be accounted for by the periods of greater or 
less activity of the springs, or the greater or less evaporation, according to 
the season. The same appearances might favor an annual overflow of a 
similar basin by the sea. But the absence of the other salts, etc., found in 
sea water favors the first theory. 

At a comparatively recent (geological) date this salt must have been 
uncovered, as the surface of the rock is everywhere as smooth as a pave- 
ment, evidently polished by the action of water, and the direction of the 
stream is plainly indicated by the ridges and hollows on its surface. The 
present surface soil and sand seem due to an overwhelming inundation from 
the northeast. The direction of the Mississippi River, which is shown by 
the general direction of the valleys on the island, being from northeast to 
southwest, and from the additional fact that in dredging a canal about 

4 miles south of the salt mine, through the sea marsh, a buried forest of 
cypress was struck at a depth of 8 or lo feet, of which there was not the 
slightest indication on the surface. The trees were in a fair state of pre- 
servation, and all lay with their tops to the southwest. 

The bones of the mastodon and other extinct animals are found in a 
layer of sand and gravel directly on the surface, and are almost unchanged 
in structure. In sinking an air shaft within the past few weeks the salt was 
struck at a depth of 19 to 20 feet. At about 10 feet below the surface a 
layer of rich black soil 5 feet thick was found, in which was embedded large 
quantities of fragments of earthenware, and below that, touching the salt, 
well preserved bones of a large animal, one section of the vertebra having an 
-opening for the spinal cord of at least 2 inches in diameter. 
Respectfully yours, 

E. E. RAP LEY, 

Special Agent. 



The State of the Futiire. 71 

VV^AGES. 

Wages of the laboring man here can be favora.bly compared with any 
of the sister States, and rates far higher than the poorly paid worker in 
Europe. 

COST OF LIVING. 

Cost of living is much lower than in Europe, and with slight exertion 
vegetables can be grown all through the year; poultry, with small attention, 
can be raised for the table; the poorest shot can supply his larder with 
game. 

The agriculturist alone, with family, sinew, and not least, intelligence 
need not hesitate to come here, as he can rent a farm, the owner furnishing 
every necessary as before stated, these I would advise to come in the fall 
of the year, when ploughing commences. Such occupants can with industry 
surely lay the foundation for an independent home in old age. Although 
the average white farmer has too much common sense to expect a costly 
residence on these lands, yet he must not be disappointed if on arrival he 
finds a mere cabin, ample indeed for the requirements of keeping out the 
weather, etc., but hardly up to the standard of the ordinary " farm house " 
to which he has perhaps been accustomed, it rests with himself to make a 
house within a comparatively short time, materials costing next to nothing. 
I do not wish to be understood by these remarks as saying that all these 
domiciles are mere shanties, as many farm residences are fit for any one to 
dwell in, and I only wish at this moment that my lot were cast in one of 
them instead of this bleak inhospitable climate of the North. 

To English laborers, who at the present time are hungrily anticipating 
the millenium of "three acres and a cow," I say, come; before you have 
been here many weeks your wonder will increase at such a prospect having 
been open all the time you were toiling for naught in the " old country." 
I speak earnestly when I repeat, apart from all other considerations, for 
your own sake and that of your families in the future, " Corned 

These remarks will apply with equal force to the honest, horny-handed 
sons of toil in many of our own crowded States. In short, the New South 
is a Phoenix indeed, the old condition of things is effaced, and we now look 
upon the favored land, towards which all America and Europe is commen- 
cing to regard with the interest which years ago attached itself to the Wild 
West, how much more happily ; I predict with the utmost confidence that 
not the most sanguine dreamer can at all realize the influx of whites, and 
the enormous rise in all values of land and products of various kinds ; the 
busy hum of man and the noise of machinery will within twenty years be 
only equalled in volume by the incredible prosperity of this " promised 
land," exempt from the difficulties and perils of the frontiersman. 

Do not forget that the Old South gained in prosperity and wealth 



72 Louisiana and its Resources; 

much more rapidly than the North ; densely populated Europe and the 
Northern States always need our peculiar products. 

Lands are cheap yet (but not for long), for the reason of the paucity of 
good men to cultivate them ; it is certain that values will greatly and quickly 
increase. 

The rainfall throughout the State averages about 56 inches. 

The white and black population is about equally divided, among the 
former about 60,000 are foreign born, out of a total population of about 
one million. 

I must not forget in common with everybody else to execrate the vile 
condition of the roads in the winter, cut up by heavy traffic and softened 
by rainfalls ; a larger population will evidence its presence by the improved 
roadbeds visible. 

There is no question about the reality of the many thunderstorms ad- 
jacent to the Gulf, but I think the needlessly scared wife and daughter will be 
amply compensated by the delicious coolness of the atmosphere, cleared of 
the depressing conditions which are always experienced prior to the almighty 
Jove's "gentle whisper." 

Mechanics most needed, and who can generally obtain employment 
without difficulty, are carpenters and joiners, coopers, blacksmiths, wheel- 
wrights, butchers, shoemakers, tailors, tinsmiths, potters, brickmakers, brick- 
layers, wood-workers of all kinds, and broom-makers, but it must be 
understood that the same economic law of not congregating in large num- 
bers in the cities applies with great force to our State. New Orleans cannot 
possibly provide labor for all who may halt there, attracted by the (in most 
cases doubtful) advantages of a city, our friends should spread themselves 
over the State, where they are most needed. 

WHAT IT V^ILL COST TO START A FARM OF 160 
ACRES OF UNITED STATES HOMESTEAD LAND, 
PART PRAIRIE, PART TIMBERED. 

Total U. S. Land Office fee $18 75 

Surveyor's fee (optional) ■ 16 25 

I pair native horses, at $25 5° °o 

1 pair oxen, at $20 40 00 

2 milch cows vi'ith calves, at $25 5° 0° 

20 sheep, at $1.50 30 00 

1 ox cart 40 00 

\ wagon 50 00 

2 ploughs, at $5 10 00 

I harrow 5 0° 

I set pair horse harness .. 7 5° 

Various tools, axes, shovels, hoes, spades, etc 15 00 

Carried forward $331 50 



The State of the Future. 7B 

Brought forward $331 50 

1 sow 5 00 

Poultry, chickens, turkeys, ducks 15 00 

■6 months provisions, flour, coffee, tea, sugar, pork, etc 50 00 

Feed corn for team 20 00 

Lumber for building house 40 00 

"Seeds 10 00 

Total $472 50 

I have estimated the cost of living at $50, as the ease of growing 
vegetables, with poultry, sheep, etc., always on hand so largely augments 
the daily contribution to the table ; and the undiminishable quantity of 
small game and fish must be certainly taken into account. 

The settler's house is quickly built, and at very low cost, of the trunks 
of small straight pines or cypress cut close by. ' The body of the house is 
made of the logs, like a pen — the ends notched so as to fit, and the open- 
ings between the logs plastered with clay. The rafters are made of green 
poles, and the roof covered with clap board split from oak, cypress or pine. 
A temporary chimney may be made by plastering a skeleton wooden frame 
with clay mixed with moss. Lumber for floor, doors, and shutters may be 
spht from cypress or bought at the nearest sawmill, and bricks maybe bought 
or made. 

The foregoing figures are the result of my personal experience, gained 
in the successful location of hundreds of famihes. 



THE CITY OF NEW ORLEANS. 

The city of New Orleans is the largest, wealthiest and most beautiful 
of the cities of the South. Its streets are replete with elegance, and its 
culture at least equals any metropolis of either hemisphere ; as a seaport it 
far outdistances all its neighboring competitors. How the peerless Crescent 
City after the long period of business adversity presents her present appear- 
ance is almost wonderful, and fails not to impress every one with the mar- 
vellous elasticity which she unites with the resources which cannot be 
taken from her, as well as the inbred pluck of her children. 

I must add, however, in candor, that the drainage of this fine city is 
lamentably bad, most assuredly all the odors floating about are not such as 
may be ascribed to the magnoHa or wafted from Araby the blest, this will 
be, however, in a comparatively short time remedied, the few cannot bear 
the undue burthen, and the rapidly increasing population will soon grapple 
with the draining and paving questions. 

The educational advantages to be gained by a residence in New 
Orleans are very great. The Louisiana State University in Baronne Street 
is an admirable institution. 



74 Louisiana and its Resources ; 

The Sugar, Cotton, and Produce Exchanges are structures of which 
Louisianians are justly proud. 

The inhabitants are celebrated for their courtly manners and refinement^ 
which, combined with culture, makes them so generally admired in all 
circles. Many visitors have expressed to me their delight at the recollection 
of the charming Southern homes, and the boundless hospitahty dispensed. 

The devotion of the fair daughters of New Orleans to humane and 
charitable objects are too well known to need a description ; of their 
fascinations it is needless to speak. 

When I first came to Louisiana some years ago, little or nothing had 
been done to induce immigration to centre in this State, except the appoint- 
ment of a Commissioner of Immigration by the Legislature, whose hands- 
were tied by the lack of necessary means to agitate this most important 
question. 

I satisfied myself thoroughly that no part of this Continent was sO' 
worthy of great effort being put forward in its behalf, or likely to yield such 
gratifying results (in the shape of bringing large parties of settlers of the 
right kind to develope resources unmatched in my own or any other person's 
experience) as the State which I have the honor and pleasure to represent 
abroad. 

The proprietor of the Times Denioc7'at, Major E. A. Burke and his- 
staff, afforded me great assistance, which I gratefully acknowledge. Through 
his instrumentahty I became acquainted with many of the leading citizens, 
amongst whom I may mention Mr. Adam Thomson and the Hon. Duncan 
F. Kenner, President of the Sugar Planters' Association. This last named 
gentleman requested me to address a meeting on the subject of immigration 
and its enormous prospective benefit to the State. I assented, the meeting 
being so successful that the Sugar Planters' Association passed a resolution 
empowering its secretary to aid me in calling to life a society for the purpose 
of inducing by legitimate means all honest and well disposed immigrants to^ 
settle in Louisiana 

There was no lack of discouragement for me to contend with, and it 
was well that my impUcit faith in the future and enthusiasm buoyed me up, 
in fact a very prominent official assured me that from his own experience 
the movement would result in failure and disaster. I thought, however, 
that the foremost men of New Orleans could not fail to see the vital neces- 
sity of inducing good people to till the soil and develope such resources, 
upon the advantages being plainly set before them. My judgment proved 
to be correct, as shown by the following list of a few of the subscribers to 
an agitation fund, and whose names are " household words " amongst 
our population. The movement from that moment was an assured success. 

R. S. Howard, Esq., President of Chamber of Commerce. 

Hon. Duncan F. Kenner, President of Sugar Planters' Association. 



The State of the Future. 75 

Adam Thomson, Esq., Sugar Merchant. 

Bradish Johnson, Esq., Sugar Factor. 

Charles Black, Esq., President of Cotton Exchange. 

Sam'l H. Kennedy, Esq., President of State National Bank. 

Payne & Kennedy, Cotton Factors. 

Hon. Edward J. Gay, M. C. 

G. H. Oglesby, Esq., President of Louisiana National Bank. 

Jules Cassard, Esq. , President of Germania National Bank. 

John Chaffe & Son, Cotton Factors. 

Bush and Levert, Cotton Factors. 

Col. E. Richardson, Cotton Factor. 

D. H. Holmes, Esq., Wholesale and Retail Dry Goods. 

Yale & Bowling, Wholesale and Retail Dry Goods. 

Schmidt & Ziegler, Wholesale Grocers. 

S. Hernsheim & Bros. , Wholesale Cigar and Tobacco Merchants. 

John J. Adams & Co., Wholesale Grocers. 

Southern Insurance Co. 

Crescent Insurance Co. 

A. Baldwin, Esq., President of N.^O. National Bank. 

J. N. Pidcock, Esq., M.C. 

Forestall, Clayton & Co., Shipping Merchants. 

A. K. Miller & Co., Shipping Merchants. 

J. Y. Gilmore, Esq., Proprietor of " Sugar Bowl." 

A. Lehman & Co., Wholesale Dry Goods. 
J. L. Lyons, Esq., Wholesale Druggists. 
Finlay & Co. , Wholesale Druggists. 

R. T. Wilson, Esq., President of Mississippi Valley Railroad. 

Shattock & Hoffman, Sugar and Cotton Factors. 

T. L. Airey & Co. , Cotton Factors. 

John Dymond, Esq., Sugar Factor. 

Leon Wolff, Esq., General Merchant. 

John Calder & Co., Sugar Factors. 

Oliver Beirne, Esq. , Sugar Planter and Factor. 

R. MiUiken, President of Sugar Exchange. 

John Phelps & Co., Cotton Factors. 

B. D. Wood & Bros. 
R. Viterbo. 
Theodore Wilkinson. 
Edward Fenner. 

A. & C. Denis. 

Henry Baldwin. 

Geo. Q Whitney, Banker, etc. 

Alfred Moulton & Co. 

Merchants' Mutual Insurance Co. 



76 Louisiana and its Resources; 

Leon Godchaux. 

G. W. Dunbar's Sons. 

J. A. Mallaron, President of Hope Insurance Co. 

E. Miltonberger, President of Southern Insurance Co. 

Wm. H. Letchford. 

J. H. Stauffer. 

Red River and Coast Line Co. 

Brown & Jones. 

Drysdale & Son. 

H. J. Mullen. 

Marshall J. Smith. 

B. J. Montgomery & Co. 

Edwards & Hamilton. 

Clark & Meader. 

H. Drake, Esq. 

And many others. 

Owing to the fearful inundation of the same year and the necessity of 
subscribing liberally to the World's Centennial Cotton Exposition, the purses 
of these and other gentlemen were severely taxed, which naturally militated 
greatly against the immigration fund, which in spite of all obstacles, how- 
ever, assumed fair proportions. 

My success in this arduous undertaking and enhstment of the sympathy 
and aid of the city's foremost men created petty opposition amongst a few 
theorists, who entertained the very impracticable idea of building and 
establishing a " Castle Garden " before any stream of immigration had set 
in ; they thought the Castle Garden would attract immigration, I thought 
that the Castle Garden had better be based on the necessities of an assured 
periodical arrival of families of settlers from all parts of the world, brought 
by earnest work in many fields. My long experience tells me that my view 
of the matter is a right one, and will be proved by subsequent events- 
Whenever such a necessity presents itself, the State will authorize and sup- 
port (of itself, no small matter) such an institution. 

By the present arrangement strangers and newcomers are fully protected 
by the different railway companies, who provide officials to escort them to 
the train on which they leave. Those wishing to stop at New Orleans a 
short time can be comfortably housed at a cost of seventy-five cents per 
day. It is of course in the interest of the State that a direct channel of 
immigration may be opened to New Orleans. Unfortunately there is no 
reliable direct line of steamers running from European ports to our city, and 
until such a company is started it will be wise for all settlers to come via 
New York. 

To New York by ordinary steamer will take, say ten days, to which is 
to be added three days by rail, or six days by coast steamer to New Orleans, 



The State of the Future. 11 

which will make a difference in the time consumed in traveling of about 
one-half I don't see how the choice of route can be questioned; the 
journey by rail from New York will afford a pleasant glimpse of our big- 
country to strangers, especially as several railway companies have very 
liberally granted special low rates for bona fide emigrants. 

A direct and reliable line of steamers from European ports to New 
Orleans, with regular departures, will certainly command my loyal co- 
operation and support. 

The fullest protection and supervision of my authorized agents (and 
frequently in person) will be accorded to all Europeans and others coming 
to New York — steerage passengers landing at Castle Garden, and first and 
second class passengers coming ashore at the steamer's dock. 

Arrivals at New Orleans wiU please report directly at my office, where 
the fullest measures are taken for their protection and guidance. Any large 
party will be personally conducted to, and located at their point of destina- 
tion. This applies equally to parties arriving in New York from various 
parts of United States going South. 

All communications to be addressed to me. State Bureau of Immigra- 
tion of Louisiana, 127 Broad Street, New York. 

GENERAL ADVICE TO EMIGRANTS. 

Upon leaving home do not form casual acquaintances, let no one 
know your business, or enter into any game of chance, or cards, with 
strangers. Do not accept any overtures from or invitations to drink with 
any, however promising, clerical or official the exterior of such personages 
may be, nine times out of ten they will prove to be " confidence operators," 
or as here designated " bunco steerers." 

Do not carry anymore cash with you than actually needed for the 
requirements of the journey, as drafts for any sum can be obtained easily at 
my offices in London or New York or at banking houses, payable in New 
Orleans, or principal points. 

I caution my European clients to adhere strictly to the letter of my 
advice, a long experience and the interests involved may safely be taken as 
indicative of my desire to see each individual who may be in my charge 
happily and safely brought to his or her destination. 

The success of every comer is my great desire, the report of one settler 
(substantiated) of the smallest misrepresentation on my part would do me 
infinitely more harm than all the efforts of years could efface. The pros- 
perity of the settler means the success of the State. 

Parties who contemplate making their homes in Louisiana and wish to 
reap the advantage of specially reduced prepaid passage rates, by favorite 
Hnes of steamers, will please address my authorized agents, Messrs. J. A. 
GOULD &- CO. General Passenger and Shipping Agents, 127 Broad 



78 Louisiana and its Resources; 

Street, N. K, by land and water, and for whose liability I vouch ; prepaid 
passage tickets are issued at a lower rate than can be obtained from 
European agents, all representations to the contrary notwithstanding. 

Idlers and dudes I advise to stay where they are, only workers are 
wanted and welcomed. 

TO INTENDING SETTLERS AND OTHERS. 

In reply to many inquiries, I wish to say that there is nothing extraor- 
dinary in the fact that this State, where " such varied and valuable 
resources in a climate so salubrious can hardly be foimd anywhere else on 
the face of the earth " (see Official Report of United States Department of 
Agriculture, Washington, D. C, and quoted elsewhere) should have been 
little known to the outside world. There are many reasons for this. The 
war of secession, unwillingness of owners of the soil netting large sums of 
money to make known its advantages to outsiders, and the thoroughly con- 
servative nature of the old planter population will amply account for its 
seclusion, added to the public attention being continually drawn by loud 
flourish of trumpets to the " Great West " and other fields for immigration. 
No railway companies own large tracts of land in Louisiana, hence the 
small amount of advertising done on behalf of the State to which I have 
pinned my faith (in spite of many tempting offers made me to represent 
other States and corporate bodies). 

I do not fear for the future of Louisiana. Already many of the best 
class of settlers have found it equal to their anticipations, and greatly 
superior to the uncolored representations. I have carefully repressed any 
personal inclination to paint with gaudy hues, now so much in vogue in the 
booming of certain semi-tropical States. 

All information and particulars of routes by rail or water will be cheer- 
fully given on applicatiom to me — address — The State Agent of Immigra- 
tion of Louisiana, 127 Broad Street, New York City. 



I would call attention to my recent appointment of George K. Bradford, 
Esq. , of Rayne, Saint Landry Parish, Louisiana, as Deputy State Agent of 
Immigration for the parishes of Saint Landry, La Fayette and Vermilion. 

The appointment could be in no better hands. A young man of 
enviable antecedents and good ability, Mr. Bradford has during a com- 
paratively short residence in the thriving town of Rayne made himself 
recognized as a man of mark, his acumen as a land attorney being as con- 
spicuous as his love of square dealing. 

In his late venture as proprietor and editor of the Acadia Sentinel, 
and in all of his transactions I wish him a large measure of prosperity. 

Mr. Bradford's advertisements appear in our columns elsewhere. 



-o^ j'/iQ State of the Future. 79 

The extraordinary nature of the inducements offered to the pubhc by 
the Mississippi Valley Railway Company merits more than this passing 
notice. 

Over 700,000 acres of magnificent land in the Yazoo Delta are sold in 
farms and lots of all sizes, to actual settlers, on terms which will meet the 
(limited) means of large numbers from the Northwestern and Middle and 
Eastern States as well as Europe. Industrious farmers cannot fail to reahze 
at least a competency in a few years, amply sufficient for future old age 
to be looked at with complacency. 

I refer my readers to this Company's advertisement, for timber, cotton, 
sugar, rice, etc. these lands can hardly be equalled. 

Parties reaching the South by the favorite route of the Chesapeake and 
Ohio Railway, via Newport News, will pass over this road, and have an 
opportunity of seeing the richness of the splendid country. Low fares and 
stop over tickets will be hberally granted by this Company to all prospectors 
of land, etc. 



The South Illustrated is a new enterprise which every man wishing to 
keep himself informed of the wonderful advance of the South should read, 
and more important still, digest. 

Using its own words, " The leading object and purpose of the paper is 
to disseminate information pertaining to the natural wealth, climate, soil, 
and other advantages of great States now presenting splendid inducements 
to capitalists, and to home seekers in the Northern States, about which so 
little comparatively is known there." 

The subscription list of this admirable paper will soon grow to gigantic 
proportions, its price — one dollar per annum — typography, conspicuous 
editorial ability, and sprightly, wide-awake, and interesting contents making 
it a monthly necessity for the office and store as well as the farmhouse and 
ranche in the North and in the South. 

The worthy proprietors have my cordial wishes for South realizing a big 
success. May prosperous winds steadily waft their journalistic bark over 
the seas of popular favor. 



The lands advertised by Messrs. John Chafife & Sons are well worthy 
the attention of all classes of settlers and investors, the prices are reasonable, 
climate very good, and soil admirably adapted to the various crops men- 
tioned in the advertisement. I speak from personal knowledge of these 
lands. 

Enquiries should be made at once to the owners. 



It is now generally recognized that the use of the latest and most 
scientific machinery goes hand in hand with profitable sugar raising, in fact 



80 Louisiana and its Resources; 

with the prices now ruling planters must as a matter of necessity keep up 
with the march of improvements. To such, I call attention to the advertise- 
ment of Messrs. Edwards & Haubtman, New Orleans. 

These gentlemen are known everywhere in the South. They take the 
very high position in the business community to which their skill and 
honorable dealing entitles them, and stand second to none as manufacturers 
of all kinds of sugar, brewing, and distilling machinery. 



It affords me much pleasure to take this opportunity of thanking the 
proprietor and editor of the Sugar Bowl, J. Y. Gilmore, Esq., 6 Camp Street, 
New Orleans, for many courtesies extended to me. He has ever been a 
true friend to our movement, always recognizing that bringing into Louisiana 
o-ood men, tillers of its soil and developers of its wonderful resources, is the 
real panacea for " bad times since the war." 

I trust that Mr. Gilmore's success may be measured by my good 
wishes. 

Intending emigrants from the Northwestern States and points centering 
at Chicago will be supplied with all information respecting routes, fares, etc., 
to Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, etc., by applying to — 

FRANK BOWES, Esq., 

General Passenger Agent, 

Illinois Central Railway Co.'s Offices, 
121 Randolph Street, 

Chicago, III. 
I may remind my Northwestern readers and friends that the Illinois 
Central is the great trunk line, known throughout the Continent as the true 
Northwestern and Southern connection. 



It is hardly necessary for me to remark that the firms, etc., advertising 
in this work are of good standing and reliability. 



Persons desiring to insert advertisements in the next edition of this 
work will please apply to the author — 

J. C. MORRISON, 

127 Broad Street, 

New York City, N, Y., 

OR 

6 Camp Street, 

New Orleans, La. 



The State of the Future. 81 



The Times -DemoBPat, 

58 CAMP STREET, 

Is a Journal devoted to the interests and developement 
of the new and progressional South, 

Its columns are full of valuable information and statis- 
tics relative to the wonderful resources of this favored section 
and should be consulted by those who are interested in the 
New South. 

The paper will be mailed free to any address in the 
United States and Canada on receipt of the subscription price, 
which is . 

DAILY, PER ANNUM, - - $12.00. 
WEELKY, " - - 1.50. 

/■ 

As it is the most influential and widely circulated paper 
ever published in the South, it is a most valuable medium for 
advertising, rates for which will be furnished on application 
to the office, in New Orleans, La. 



82 Louisiana and its Resources; 



SUBSCRIBE NOW! 



The South Illustrated, 

PUBLISHED MONTHLY 

AT 

102 CANAL STREET, NEW ORLEANS. LA. 



Devoted to the Development of the South. 

SUPERBLY ILLUSTRATED. 

SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, STTOO A YE AR^ 

Every issue replete with information pertaining to the 

' Resources of the Southern States, 

Their unmatched advantages of 

CLIMATE jLJS/^ soil. 

Adaptation to a wide range of 

ApiW PrDflocts, LiTe M, Tropical Ms, k, 

Vast and widely distributed 

MINERAL AND WOODED WEALTH, 

And the late marked impetus on many lines of Industrial Progres=', 
especially in Iron Manufactures, Railroads, &c. 

The most effective Advertising Medium in the South. Rates for 
Advertisements and Subscription furnished on application to New York 
Office, 

127 Broad St., New York 



The State of the Future. 83 



CANE GROWING! 



TlieSiarBilaMFariJiiiiriiil! 

Organ of the Louisiana Sugar Planters' Association. Pub- 
lished weekly at No. 6 Camp Street, Corner Canal Street, 
New Orleans, La., at 

S3.00 PER Ai^i^UMI 

Devoted to SUGAR PLANTING and GENERAL AGRI- 
CULTURE. Every number contains practical articles on 

CANE AND RICE CULTURE 

(Both these crops can be profitably grown in half the States ;) 

Siar iinlactiire from Caie, Sorilim, M\ etc. 

Culture of Fibrous Plants, such as 

JUTE, RAMIE. FLAX, ETC. 

— ALSO ON — 

Sugar Macliinery, Agricultural Implements 

and Farm Topics generally. 

Sample Copies sent free. Address, 

J. Y. GILMOEE, Publisher, 

6 CAMP STREET, NEW ORLEANS, LA. 



84 



Louisiana and its Resources ; 



Q^THB 



Evening Chronicle 

PDBLISHED EVERY DAY IN THE YEA| 

CircolatiOD Large i CoistaDtly Increasini 



i 



A Lively Journal for the Home and Family. 



PROGRESS AND BUSIN 



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Weekly, delivered by Carriers, - 15 Cts. 



Address, 

BUSINESS MANAGER, 

43 NATCHEZ STREET, NEW ORLEANS, LA. 



The State of the Future. 



85 



44 



T 




r^'^ff"^ ^w — ^ 



M 



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39 NATCHEZ STREET, 



The Great Evening Daily. 

LIVE, 

independent; 
progressive 

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86 Louisiana and its Resources; 



^ THE ^ 




L'Abeille de la Kouvelle-Orleans. 



A Daily Newspaper, established on the 1st of 
September, 1827, and universally known throughout 
Louisia^na and the neighboring States, The ''Bee " 
is now published exclusively in French, and is the 
achnowledged organ of the Franco -American popu- 
lation. A very valuable family paper and specially 
recommended to those of our American readers, 
ladies and gentlemen, who wish to enhance their 
knowledie of the French language. 

Subscription Terms : 
By Mail— Payable in Advance, Postage Prepaid. 

Per annum, $12; 6 months, $6; 3 months $3; 1 month, $1: 

Weekly (8 double pages) published Saturday Mornmg. 
Per annum, $3; 6 months, $1.50; 3 months, 75 cents. 



The State of the Future. 87 



THE 



Acadia Sentinel, 

GEORGE K. BRADFORD, Editor and Prop. 



LIBERAL AND PROGRESSIVE JOURNAL 



DEVOTED TO THE INTEEESTS OF 



SOUTH WESTERN LOUISIANA 



PuTDlished Weekly, at Hayne, La, 



Subscription, $2.00 per Annum, in Advance. 



ORDERS FOR 



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AT SHORT NOTICE AND LOW RATES. 



Louisiana and its Resources; 



QFlii Sf8ufI (^ompang. 





AMERICAN TRAVEL: 

Single Excursion and Round Tour tickets to all 
the leading WINTER and SUMMER RESORTS in 
the UNITED STATES, CANADA, MEXICO, the 
V/EST INDIES, BERMUDAS, NASSAU, N. P., 
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EUROPEAN TRAVEL: 

Passage and Best Accommodation secured by all 
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the MEDITERRANEAN STEAMERS to the 
ORIENT. Railroad Tickets to All Points of inter- 
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Circular Drafts, Letters of Credit, Coupon Credits and 
Bank Notes, available in all parts of Europe, Asia. Africa y 
Australia, North and South America. 

Send ten cents in postage stamps for a copy of the 
" WORLD TEA VEL GAZETTE," containing full information, 
maps, &c. 

WORLD TRAYEL COMPINY, 

207 BROADWAY, COR. FULTON ST., NEW YORK. 



The State oj^ the Future. 



89 




WINES, LIQUORS k BEER 



SOLE AGENTS 

FOE 

EVARI8TE DUPONT, 

BORDEAUX 

WINES & COGNAC. 



Jos. ScMilz Brewing Co. 

MILWAUKEE 

Keg and Bottle Beer. 



ARPAD HARAZTHY & CO.,^ 

SAN FRANCISCO 

Wines, ChampagDes & Brandies, ffl 



GEORGE GOULET,J 
RHEIMS 

CHAMPAGNE 



G. W. M. REEDS 
BITTER CO..Q 



NEW HAVEN. 



oo 




SOLE AGENTS 

FOR 

HAEDWI&KANTOEOTIZ 

POSEN, 

Litthauer Kuemmel 

AND 

Fancy Cordial. 



C.MoerleiiiBrewliiiCo. 

CINCINNATI 

Keg and Bottle Beer. 



0!)ROSSKAM,GERSTLEY&CO. 

PHIL. 

RYE WHISKY. 



>E.H. TAYLOR Jr., & CO., 

BOURBON 

WHISKIES. 

oo 



51, 53, 55 and 59 CUSTOMHOUSE ST., 



•90 



Louisiana and its Resoiirccs; 



•*^ 



^-^ "THE |^^>^ 




|_^ ,^_i^^i_^ c^—i 



TFe desire to record our well supported 
opinion, that few, if any, investment at the present 
time equal 

JMiciously Ijoilit Soitlerii Tiler Lanis 

Direct intercourse with owners and thorough 
knowledge of the country, enables us to put invest- 
ors on the best possible footing. 

J. A. GOULD & CO., 

137 Broad St., NEW YORK. 



THE 

£. F., and V. S. 




One with Oscillating, and the other with Vibrating Shuttle. 

THE BEST ITV THE "V^OI^^LD- 



iNeedles for all Sewing Machines and parts for the Singer. Singer N. F. shuttles, 
25 cents each, postage extra. Send for Catalogue and Pnce List. 

S. E. BUNDLE, Agt. The Singer MTg Co., 185 Canal St., New Orleans. 



The State of the Future. 91 



fefitti liehti^^ * 






HOME+ FOR + IMMIGRANTS -i-AND 
TRAVELERS 



83 South Front St., NEW ORLEANS. 

Mrs. F. GROTE, Proprietress. 



^ COMFORTABLE HOME WITH BOUNTIFUL BOARD, AT 
LOWEST POSSIBLE RATES. 

J. A. GOULD & CO., 

DEALERS IN 



AND 



PLANTATION LANDS, 

The attention of Capitalists is called to these fine investment. 

GENEIjAL PASSAGE AND TICKET /GENTS. 

COMMISSIONS. 

No. 127 Broad Street, NEW YORK CITY. 



92 Louisiana and its Resources ; 

'^iSi?^' ^ the: ^^ -^issj^- 



PICAYUNE 



The LEADING NEWSPAPER of the SOUTH. 



TTIhE New Orleans Picayune, established fifty years ago, has kept pace with the 
-*■" progress of journalism, and is now the most reliable and best paper pvibliHhed 
in the South. 

THE DAILY PICA¥Ulfl 

Is independent and fearless in its editorial conduct. It has the widest and most com- 
plete system of news gathering by telegraph, correspondence and reportorial corps, 
and the most accurate and complete market, commercial, and financial statements 
published in New Orleans. 

THl W IIKLY PICAYUNE . 

Which may be taken separately from the daily subscription service, is full and com- 
plete in all news departments, with the added features of household fashion and 
society talk, and a feast of choice original and literary matter for home reading. The- 
special writings of " Cathaeine Cole," Henky Haynie, [Paris correspondentj, 
Jennie June, [fashion writer], Mollie Mooee Davis, and many others, appear in 
in the Sunday issue. 



THE WllKLY PI€A¥Ulf] 



This mammoth sixteen page paper is the best and cheapest weekly paper published 
in the Sonth. In a condensed form it contains all the news of the week, the cream 
of all literary and the best special features of the Sunday issue, with an important 
Agbicultueal Depaetment, conducted by Daniel Dennett, and the latest maeket 
EEPOETs. The weekly is published Eveey Thtjesday Moening and reaches all sub- 
scribers for Sunday reading 

$1 O.OOO worth of useful and ornamental articles for ladies 
and gentlemen, girls and boys, are offered to all who will get 
subscribers for the Weekly Picayune. Lists of these valu- 
able presents will be sent to any address. 



TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION. 

DAILY, 7 issues a week. 

1 YEAE... $12.00 I 6 MONTHS.. .$6.00 | 3 MONTHS. ..$3.00 | 1 MONTH. ..$1.00 
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1 YEAR $2.00 i (5 MONTHS $1.00 

WEEKLY PICAYUNE. 
1 YEAR $1.50 I 6 MONTHS 75c I 3 MONTHS 60c 



SPECIAL BATES TO CLUBS. For sample copies, club rates of Weekly,, 
list of presents for club raisers, etc., address: 

NICHOLSON & CO., Props., New Orleans, La. 



LOUISIANA AND ITS RESOURCES; 

THE STATE OF THE FUTURE. 

An Official Guide for Capitalists, Manufacturers, Agriculturists, 
AND THE Emigrating Masses. 




By J. CHRONEGK MORRISON 

State Immigration Agent for Louisiana ; abroad, 
Foreign Commissioner Louisiana State Immigration Society, &c. 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




014 544 657 




